Caitlyn Jenner has entered the debate over transgender athletes in the WNBA, backing two former NBA players who plan to enter the league's draft.
The Olympic gold medalist, who transitioned in 2015, voiced support for Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White in their challenge to the WNBA's policies.
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"XX are in, XY are out. It's that simple," Jenner told Fox News, arguing that women's sports need protection.
She suggested the former NBA players' moves expose contradictions and "hypocrisy" in the league's approach.
Background of the Debate
The WNBA is at the center of a growing debate after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly opposed transgender women competing in women's sports.
Cunningham said she wanted to protect young girls in sports, drawing both criticism and support.
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Kanter Freedom, an 11-season NBA veteran, announced earlier this month he would declare for the WNBA Draft as a protest.
He officially declared in mid-August, signing papers while wearing a shirt reading "Invest in women. Pay women.
Hire women."
Royce White also announced his intention to pursue the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying he identifies as transgender for professional basketball.
The moves are widely seen as political statements testing the WNBA's eligibility rules.
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The WNBA has said there are currently no eligibility issues involving transgender athletes and condemned bad-faith efforts to demean or marginalize people.
No transgender woman has played in the league.
Jenner's position is notable given her history as an American sports icon, winning the decathlon at the 1976 Montreal Olympics as Bruce Jenner before transitioning.
Since transitioning, she has repeatedly argued against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports.
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Now she adds her voice to one of the most contentious debates surrounding the WNBA this season, backing two former NBA players whose draft declarations have put the league's policies under a brighter spotlight.
