The reported decision has drawn scrutiny because the league’s collective bargaining agreement says only women may play but, as cited in the report, does not define “woman” or spell out standards tied to gender identity or sex at birth.
Unnamed league sources described the declarations as publicity stunts meant to mock the WNBA and said the league would not give oxygen to those efforts, but no on-record explanation of the eligibility criteria was provided.
The episode sharpens pressure on the WNBA to publish clearer draft guidance before 2027, especially after weeks in which the league had said there were no immediate eligibility matters to address.