Geno Auriemma questions why WNBA transgender athlete debate is 'an issue' when it 'doesn't exist'

Former NBA players Enes Freedom and Royce White declare for the 2027 WNBA draft to challenge the league's gender eligibility rules. Barstool Sports writer Jack Mack joins to analyze the potential impact of their declarations on women's sports policies. The former first-round picks challenge the league to clearly define its requirements for female athletes.

The debate over transgender athletes competing against women has become the biggest story in the WNBA.

Last month, a quote from Sophie Cunningham was released in an article in which she said "young girls...shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sports.

"I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," Cunningham said.

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UConn head coach Geno Auriemma reacts to a play during the first half of a Sweet 16 game of the NCAA college basketball tournament against North Carolina in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 27, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

But legendary women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma is downplaying the entire conversation.

"Well, not to belittle it at all because I don't mean to because listen, you know, people have a right to their opinion. I get it. But why are we making a big issue over an issue that doesn't exist?" Auriemma told TMZ Sports.

"I don't remember reading where there's transsexual players in the WNBA. I don't remember reading where they were being presented with cases where this is going to happen next week. I don't see an issue. Why are we making it an issue?" he continued. "We're making it an issue because there's enough people out there that need this to be an issue for their own personal gain."

Auriemma said people's