The debate over transgender athletes in the WNBA continues to gain attention. After Sophie Cunningham sparked widespread discussion last week by saying in an ESPN interview that she opposes transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, several players have weighed in on the issue. The latest to share her perspective is Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams, who told reporters on Thursday that she supports transgender women competing in the WNBA.
Gabby Williams Voices Support for Trans Athletes Amid Ongoing WNBA Debate
Gabby Williams addressed the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports while speaking to reporters on Thursday, offering her support for greater inclusion. “I think it’s trans, trans rights, right now, is our new battle,” Williams said. She continued, “We see people’s trans rights being stripped away from them; there’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in.” Making her stance clear, Williams added, “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime.”
Williams also emphasized that she does not view transgender participation in the league as an issue, saying, “I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to kind of trans people. We’ve seen players like Layshia Clarendon, who stepped into that forefront, and have been brave enough, and courageous enough, to step up. So I guess that’s the next battle we have to fight as athletes.” Her remarks referenced veteran Layshia Clarendon, who became the WNBA’s first openly transgender and nonbinary active player after undergoing top surgery in 2021.
Williams’ comments come as discussions around transgender athletes continue across the WNBA following recent remarks from Sophie Cunningham, who said she does not believe athletes assigned male at birth who later transition should compete in women’s sports. The differing viewpoints have fueled a broader conversation within the league, with several players publicly sharing their perspectives on the issue.
Sophie Cunningham Urges Focus to Shift Back to Basketball Amid Ongoing Debate
Sophie Cunningham says she is ready to move past the discussion surrounding her comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports and return the focus to basketball. Speaking to reporters before practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, the Indiana Fever guard described the conversation as a distraction from the game. “The WNBA media, all we ever do is cover everything except basketball,” Cunningham said. “It’s like, ‘What are we doing?’ … I also think we (have to) keep the main thing the main thing.”
The renewed attention follows remarks Cunningham made in an ESPN interview published in July, where she said she wanted to “protect young girls in the locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” A day later, she reaffirmed her stance, calling it “common sense” to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Since then, her comments have sparked demonstrations outside several Fever road games, while others across the basketball community, including Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, have voiced support for transgender people. Cunningham was also met with boos during Indiana’s game in Minnesota.
Despite the ongoing debate, Cunningham stressed that her priority is now the team’s performance on the court. “There’s a lot to be said, and I’m just going to let people speak for themselves, but I want to get back to basketball,” she said, adding that the interview took place months earlier. “Our team is good. My teammates are good. Our locker room is great… we’re just here, about to prepare for Las Vegas, and that’s where our mind is at.”
