The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have not provided clarity on the eligibility of transgender athletes, specifically in the case of Julie Tétart, a prominent player in France’s second-tier women’s basketball league. Tétart, a transgender woman, led the Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2) in scoring and rebounding during the 2025-26 season, averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game.
Despite Tétart’s stated childhood dream of playing in the WNBA and her expressed willingness to join the league if offered, both the WNBA and the WNBPA have declined to respond to inquiries regarding her eligibility. This silence comes despite the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) stating, "Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA."
Ambiguity in Eligibility Standards
The CBA, a 409-page document, reportedly does not contain definitions for the terms "woman" or "women." Similarly, the terms "transgender" and "gender identity" do not appear in the agreement. This lack of explicit definition leaves the league’s eligibility standard unclear, particularly in light of Tétart’s performance.
The situation presents a concrete case for the WNBA to address, moving beyond theoretical discussions that have previously surrounded athlete inclusion. Tétart’s success in a professional women’s league and her expressed interest in the WNBA raise questions about how the league would interpret its own eligibility rule. The criteria for determining eligibility—whether based on biological sex, gender identity, hormone levels, or another standard—remain undefined by the CBA.
This lack of clarity applies to both the WNBA and the WNBPA, which collectively agreed to the current eligibility language. Players and the public are left without a clear understanding of the WNBA's stance on transgender athlete participation and the criteria used to define eligibility for women’s professional basketball. Without explicit definitions or policies, the league's commitment to inclusivity faces scrutiny regarding its application to individual athletes and the broader principles of fairness in women’s sports.
