Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has mocked the WNBA after the league announced it would be holding a meeting to discuss the debate surrounding transgender athletes
Ron DeSantis has mocked the WNBA on social media(Image: Getty Images)
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mocked the WNBA after commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s announcement that the league would be holding a meeting to discuss the debate surrounding transgender athletes.
The chaotic 2026 WNBA season has taken yet another turn in the wake of Sophie Cunningham’s comments about trans athletes, which have divided the league. Following Cunningham’s comments, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom declared his intention to play in the WNBA, saying he is “not here to mock” but wants to see the league’s “current rules be applied to everyone.”
“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,” said Engelbert in a memo sent out on Friday last week.
“I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”
“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead,” she added.
“We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”
However, DeSantis has mocked the planned meeting to discuss the topic on social media. “WNBA meeting to decide whether 2+2=4 or 2+2=5,” wrote the Florida Governor on X.
As things stand, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” However, it does not include any specific language regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
Kanter Freedom is not the only former NBA player to have declared their desire to play in the WNBA, with Royce White outlining the same intention.
Amidst the drama and chaos, the WNBPA has said its players have no desire to be “used as political pawns.”
“We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the players’ union said last week.
“Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm.
“We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”
