Transgender Basketball Player's Performance Sparks WNBA Eligibility Debate
Julie Tétart's strong showing against a top WNBA prospect's team has amplified questions about inclusion and eligibility in the women's league.
French transgender basketball player Julie Tétart's recent performance in a Coupe de France tournament game is drawing renewed attention to the WNBA's stance on trans athletes. Tétart scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 81-71 loss to Lyon-ASVEL Féminin, a team that includes Ainhoa Risacher, a 19-year-old anticipated to be a top prospect in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Despite playing fewer minutes than Risacher, Tétart outperformed the prospect in scoring and rebounding, while also demonstrating a higher field goal percentage. This performance has led to discussions about whether Tétart, who has played her entire career in France, could be eligible for the WNBA.
In August, Tétart expressed a pragmatic view on playing in the WNBA, telling OutKick, "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!"
League statistics indicate Tétart is having a strong season in France's second division (LF2). Through five games, her team remains undefeated at 5-0, with Tétart averaging 13.8 points and 13.8 rebounds. This is consistent with her previous season, where she averaged 20.7 points and 20 rebounds per game. Notably, her current court time averages 22 minutes per game, a decrease from the 31 minutes per game she averaged last season.
The WNBA has not publicly commented on Tétart's specific eligibility. The league's current collective bargaining agreement does not contain a clear definition of "women." WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has previously stated that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to play in the league because they are "both men," but has not provided a broader definition for female eligibility.
Arguments against Tétart playing in the WNBA often center on age or perceived competitive advantage, though Tétart is 35 and several players in the WNBA are of similar or older age and are performing at competitive levels. Alysha Clark and DeWanna Bonner, for example, were both 39 during the 2026 season and averaged 10 points per game. Brittney Griner, 35, averaged 13 points per game in the same season.
The debate around Tétart's potential WNBA future highlights broader discussions about inclusivity and the criteria for athlete eligibility in professional women's sports.