Breanna Stewart calls for WNBA to be a ‘safe space’ amid heated trans debate

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart has weighed in on the trans athlete debate engulfing the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) and called for arenas to be a “safe space”.

The WNBA has long been an inclusive space for both fans and players. The league has a prominent LGBTQ+ fanbase and has historically been associated with strong player activism on social issues.

Recently, however, that’s been up for debate following Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham telling ESPN that banning trans women from women’s sport was “common sense”. This weekend, ex-NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game while wearing an anti-trans T-shirt.

Currently and historically, no out trans player has played in the league. The WNBA’s policy states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA”. The rule has no explicit language referencing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. 

‘We don’t want to take that platform away’

Stewart is the latest WNBA voice to weigh in. Speaking with reporters on Saturday (22 August), Stewart shared: “Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have.

“I want Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space.”

There have been some small rallies and protests outside Indiana Fever games. Peaceful crowds on both sides of the debate gathered before New York Liberty played Indiana Fever. Liberty won the game 109-102.

Speaking to reporters, the Liberty forward also noted that WNBA fans come to the games because “they can feel like they can be themselves in whatever capacity that is and we don’t want to lose sight of that”.

She further said that attempts to divide teams and players shouldn’t be accepted. “If we don’t allow [free speech], we need to like, really kind of go back and look at more things. I think the bigger thing is people are trying to divide us as teams, but also as teammates or as opponents,” she said. 

“This league is incredibly inclusive and what we continue to fight for and stand up against. So, we don’t want to take that platform away.”

Throughout her career, Stewart has been a trans ally. The 31-year-old player is a lesbian and is married to former WNBA professional basketball player Marta Xargay Casademont. Together, the pair have two children.

When she faced backlash last year for wearing Harry Potter-themed shoes, she donated royalties from that shoe to The Trevor Project.

Before the game, Cunningham remarked on the recent attention she has received. She claimed that the reaction to her comments has been positive, as it’s bringing more fans to the game.

“You have a lot of new fans, not only just watching, but coming to games and seeing the environment and seeing the talent,” she said before the game.

“I think anytime you can get more eyes on the W, that’s an awesome thing, because then that inspires other young kids that maybe have never seen the game or heard about the game or been to a game, they get that experience. So I definitely think that it’s been a very positive thing.”

Previously, the debate escalated when the WNBA was accused of censoring fans’ trans shirts. However, the league has since said this “should not have happened”. 

Cunningham’s statements also prompted responses from high-profile figures. JD Vance voiced his support for Cunningham, and Caitlyn Jenner also weighed in on the controversy. When asked about the topic, Jenner criticised commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

WNBA commissioner Engelbert has been sparing with her comments on the topic. Though, she recently denounced people trying to “sow divisiveness” over the league’s handling of the situation. 

Previously, she called out “bad faith” efforts of two ex-NBA players who declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft. The draft isn’t until next April.

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