Former President Donald Trump's past comments suggesting he would recruit male athletes to a women's basketball team have resurfaced amid an intensifying debate over transgender players in the WNBA.
The discussion has been reignited by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who recently stated she wants to protect young girls from competing against "biological men." Cunningham's remarks have polarized opinions within the league and among commentators.
In 2022, Trump addressed the issue at the America First Policy Institute, expressing a hypothetical scenario. "I’d say, ‘LeBron, did you ever have any desire to be a woman? Because what I’d love you to do is star on my team that I’m building up,'" he said, adding, "I’ll have the greatest team in history. They’ll never lose."
Trump has previously taken a stance on transgender issues, particularly concerning athletes. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he vowed to penalize doctors providing gender-affirming care to minors. Following his re-election, he enacted executive orders aimed at preventing biological males from competing in female sports in educational institutions.
Cunningham's stance has drawn both condemnation and support. Several high-profile WNBA figures have distanced themselves from her comments. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "Trans Kids Belong" T-shirt during a game against the Fever, a gesture seen as a direct response to Cunningham's views. Protests for and against transgender inclusion have occurred outside WNBA arenas.
Outkick founder Clay Travis has offered $10 million to the WNBA champions if they can defeat a high school boys' team, asserting it would highlight physical differences between sexes. Travis has also expressed interest in establishing an all-trans WNBA franchise, with French trans basketball player Julie Tetart reportedly showing interest.
Caitlin Clark, Cunningham's teammate on the Indiana Fever, has largely avoided the debate, directing reporters to focus on basketball and stating that the WNBA and its governing bodies should address such issues. "Our focus is on basketball," Clark said after a recent loss. "That's what we talk about and how we can get wins."
The WNBA has not yet officially commented on Cunningham's remarks. However, the league's current collective bargaining agreement with its players' association stipulates that "only players who are women are eligible to play."