Martina Navratilova questions WNBA stance on transgender athletes
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 11:24 AM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
Martina Navratilova criticized the WNBA's recent statement condemning efforts to undermine transgender athletes. The WNBA denounced these actions following remarks from former NBA players Enes Freedom and Royce White, who announced plans to enter the WNBA draft as women. Navratilova, a long-time opponent of transgender inclusion in women's sports, reacted by suggesting the league’s comments were selective. The WNBA has stated there are no immediate eligibility matters regarding the draft intentions of Freedom and White and has launched an anti-hate task force to address the situation.
- •Navratilova raises concerns about the WNBA's position on inclusion.
- •WNBA condemns attacks on transgender individuals in sports.
- •Enes Freedom and Royce White intend to enter the WNBA draft.
- •WNBA states no current eligibility issues related to the draft.
- •WNBA establishes an anti-hate task force to tackle these challenges.
- 11:24 AMYahoo Sports — Martina Navratilova Firmly Rejects Claim Saying Trans-Athlete Debate Taking Over WNBA Has Ulterior Agenda From Republicans
- 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Martina Navratilova Drops 3-Word Reaction To WNBA Denouncing “Bad-Faith” Efforts To “Demean” Transgender Athletes After Enes Freedom Row
"Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has questioned the WNBA’s stance on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports after the league recently denounced “bad-faith efforts” to demean transgender athletes following the Enes Freedom controversy. The league recently said that it condemns any effort that directly or indirectly marginalizes or attacks the transgender community.
"Martina Navratilova has hit back at claims that assert that the ongoing transgender debate surrounding the WNBA has an ulterior motive, possibly something political. Navratilova made it clear that transgender athletes getting an opportunity to play in women’s sports is a real concern for female athletes.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 11:24 AMMartina Navratilova Firmly Rejects Claim Saying Trans-Athlete Debate Taking Over WNBA Has Ulterior Agenda From Republicans
Martina Navratilova has hit back at claims that assert that the ongoing transgender debate surrounding the WNBA has an ulterior motive, possibly something political. Navratilova made it clear that transgender athletes getting an opportunity to play in women’s sports is a real concern for female athletes.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 8:50 AMMartina Navratilova Drops 3-Word Reaction To WNBA Denouncing “Bad-Faith” Efforts To “Demean” Transgender Athletes After Enes Freedom Row
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has questioned the WNBA’s stance on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports after the league recently denounced “bad-faith efforts” to demean transgender athletes following the Enes Freedom controversy. The league recently said that it condemns any effort that directly or indirectly marginalizes or attacks the transgender community.
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