Engelbert: WNBA to continue talks about transgender athletes next week - ESPN

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball.

«I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women's basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,» Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was sent Friday afternoon and obtained by The Associated Press. «I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.»

The memo said the topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week.

In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls' and women's sports. Cunningham's comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.

There was a lone protester at the Fever's home game against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night. Indiana visits Chicago on Saturday, and members of two conservative groups had planned a rally in support of Cunningham ahead of that game.

The WNBA hasn't made any public comments on the issue.

Engelbert wrote that the league will «always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair