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U.S. Congress addresses WNBA eligibility concerns in new letter

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 10:40 AM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

U.S. Congress addresses WNBA eligibility concerns in new letter

Summary

On September 18, 2026, members of the U.S. Congress sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, expressing concerns about the league's handling of eligibility rules and player safety standards. The letter emphasizes recent incidents of unpenalized on-court behavior, citing an August incident involving Sophie Cunningham. Congress has given the league until October 16 to respond to specific questions about disciplinary measures and the definition of 'women' in the collective bargaining agreement. The correspondence highlights ongoing frustrations regarding the league's perceived inaction amidst escalating debates on eligibility.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Congress members question WNBA’s enforcement of eligibility and safety policies.
•The letter mentions incidents involving Sophie Cunningham and DiJonai Carrington.
•A deadline of October 16 for a league response is set in the letter.
•Concerns raised over inconsistent disciplinary actions between players and owners.
•Lawmakers call for clarity on the definition of ‘women’ in eligibility criteria.

Latest Updates

10:40 AMYahoo Sports — U.S. Congress addresses Sophie Cunningham’s transgender comments in letter to WNBA

What they're saying

"
The eligibility debate doesn’t appear to be going anywhere in the WNBA. The ongoing debate over WNBA eligibility seems to be falling on deaf ears at league headquarters, leaving a massive gap where clear rules ought to be.
— Yahoo Sports

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