WNBA Coach Stirs Debate With Subtle Critique of Trump on Transgender Athletes

The WNBA marked Transgender Day of Visibility with a powerful statement, as Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve appeared to critique former President Donald Trump’s policies targeting transgender individuals. Reeve didn’t mince words, calling out what she described as "executive and legislative attacks" on transgender people.

In her statement, Reeve expressed solidarity with the trans community, saying, "On this transgender visibility day, a time of escalating executive and legislative attacks attempting to deny healthcare, education and basic freedoms; a time of epidemic violence, particularly against black and brown trans women — we celebrate trans and non-binary people everywhere. You are seen and loved." The team also shared a photo of Reeve sporting a shirt emblazoned with the message "Protect trans kids." Bold move, coach.

The timing of the WNBA’s support coincided with the conclusion of Women’s History Month, a month meant to honor women’s achievements. However, the league’s post sparked a polarizing debate, especially among advocates for Title IX, who have long fought to exclude biological males from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.

Reeve is no stranger to this conversation. Four years ago, she penned an op-ed for Sports Illustrated titled "We All Win When Trans Athletes Are Included," where she argued that welcoming transgender athletes strengthens teams and challenges harmful stereotypes about womanhood. Reeve didn't hold back, saying, "Transgender exclusion pits woman athletes against one another, reinforces the harmful notion that there is only one right way to be a woman and distracts us from the real threats to women’s sports." If Reeve was trying to light a fire under this issue, mission accomplished.

Her advocacy comes in the wake of Trump’s "No Men in Women’s Sports" executive order signed in February, a controversial policy that critics say exploits loopholes in the NCAA’s updated gender participation policy. Trump’s administration also clashed with Maine school officials over their refusal to reverse policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. The Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights accused Maine of "noncompliance with Title IX."

Notably, the WNBA currently has no players who have transitioned from male to female, though Layshia Clarendon publicly came out as nonbinary in 2020. The league’s stance clearly aligns with greater inclusivity, but the broader cultural debate around transgender athletes shows no sign of cooling off. And if Reeve’s words are any indication, she’s ready to keep stirring the pot.