Caitlyn Jenner Slams WNBA’s Handling of Trans Athlete Debate, Says There’s a Straightforward Fix

Caitlyn Jenner publicly slammed the WNBA's approach to the transgender athlete debate, stating that the league should implement a straightforward eligibility policy based strictly on biological s-- chromosomes.

During an appearance on Fox News @ Night, Jenner criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for continuing open-ended discussions rather than finalizing a hardline rule. Jenner proposed a conclusion to the matter: “XX, you're in. XY, you're out. It's that simple.”

Jenner's comments came in response to former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who both mockingly declared their eligibility for the 2027 WNBA Draft by claiming they identify as women.

"We have to protect women’s sports … I want to protect women’s sports. Title IX was one of the greatest pieces of legislation… for women’s equality — that happened to be in sports,” she said.

Jenner praised Freedom and White for exposing what she described as "hypocrisy" within the league's rules.

The WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) states that "only players who are women are eligible to play." Still, the 409-page document fails to define the word "woman" or outline specific policies regarding transgender identity.

“Today’s meeting covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online,” the league’s statement said. “We will continue to engage all league stakeholders in the coming weeks and months. We will approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with our league's values. There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA, and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”

The controversy originally intensified after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly advocated for protecting women's sports from biological males, prompting deep divisions across the league.

Following an anti-hate task force meeting with team executives, the league stated there are no immediate eligibility issues before them. The league also strongly denounced "bad-faith efforts" by outside individuals to demean or marginalize others.

Fox Sports commentator Skip Bayless urged the WNBA to listen to Jenner's perspective; others in the basketball community, such as Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and the WNBA Players Association, have actively defended transgender inclusion and pushed back against the use of players as political pawns.

"Caitlyn Jenner, as Bruce Jenner, won gold in the Olympic decathlon. Caitlyn Jenner now says biological boys/men should NOT be allowed to compete against girls/women: "We have to protect women's sports." Listening, WNBA?" Bayless wrote on X.

Activists point out that Jenner lived a highly visible public life after her transition in 2015, receiving global accolades.

They argue it is deeply hypocritical for her to now advocate for rigid, chromosome-based bans that would fundamentally invalidate the identities of trans women.

They also note that the star's rhetoric aligns directly with a broader wave of GOP-backed legislation aimed at restricting gender-affirming care and sports participation for trans youth.