Julie Tetart, a 34-year-old transgender basketball player from France, has expressed a desire to play in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), a sentiment that emerges amidst a broader debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in professional women's sports.
Tetart recently concluded the 2025-26 season in Monaco, where she led France's second-tier Ligue 2 in scoring and rebounding, averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game. In March, she achieved a record-breaking performance with 21 points and 30 rebounds in a single game. Despite her statistical success, her season in Ligue 2 garnered mixed reactions, including an uproar after she was not awarded the league's MVP honor, though she did receive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year awards.
Tetart, who publicly came out as transgender in October 2021, stated that playing in the WNBA is a lifelong aspiration. "If they contact me, I won't say no. But you have to be realistic: I'm old, and there are far better players than me!" Tetart told OutKick. She further elaborated that while it is a childhood dream, she believes it is "not possible," hinting at potential political obstacles, specifically under the current U.S. administration. However, she reiterated that she would accept a contract offer if presented.
Her aspirations coincide with heightened scrutiny and debate within the WNBA regarding athlete eligibility. WNBA player Sophie Cunningham recently ignited discussions by advocating for measures to "protect young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." When asked about Cunningham's stance, Tetart responded simply with "Aucun," which translates to "None."
Former WNBA player Audrey Sauret, also French, previously voiced concerns about transgender athletes in women's leagues, arguing that such participation creates unfair competition and could discourage younger, cisgender female athletes. Sauret suggested that hormone changes do not erase fundamental physiological differences between sexes and expressed regret that the issue had not been addressed sooner.
Cunningham's comments have drawn a range of reactions. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve publicly expressed support for transgender youth by wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt during a game. Cunningham herself has faced both support and criticism, with some fans booing her and others displaying signs in her favor. In 2022, Cunningham faced backlash for reposting a message criticizing the inclusion of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in women's collegiate sports. She later clarified that her intention was not to express hate but to advocate for fairness and the protection of young female athletes.