Geno Auriemma urges WNBA to refocus on basketball amid transgender debate

Geno Auriemma said the WNBA should move its public focus away from the transgender-athlete debate and back to basketball, arguing that fans tune in for the players and games. The UConn women’s coach made the comments to CNBC Sport as the league said it has no immediate gender-identity eligibility matter before it.

Auriemma’s view is not WNBA policy. He said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert should emphasize the league’s teams and on-court product rather than a debate he characterized as hypothetical. “Nobody’s coming to watch another political statement,” he told CNBC. “They’re coming to watch a basketball game.”

He said he was unaware of transgender players who had sought entry to the league and been denied. He added that attention on the WNBA should center on its individual players, teams and the quality of play.

What did Geno Auriemma say about the WNBA transgender debate?

Auriemma said the league should direct its conversation toward basketball while no immediate eligibility case exists. He argued that increased attention on the league should be focused on its athletes and games, rather than cultural and political disputes around the sport.

The comments arrived as transgender participation in women’s sports has become part of the discussion surrounding the WNBA. CNBC reported that recent Indiana Fever games drew rallies both supporting and opposing transgender participation after comments from Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve also wore a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt at a Fever game earlier this month, according to CNBC.

What has the WNBA said?

A WNBA spokesperson told CNBC that a task force of team presidents and general managers met Wednesday and discussed transgender athletes in part. The spokesperson said there are “no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA.”

The league said it would address the conversations thoughtfully and in line with its values. It also said it strongly denounces bad-faith efforts to demean or marginalize others.

The distinction is relevant for fans following the debate: Auriemma offered an opinion about how the league should present itself, while the WNBA described its current operational status. Neither statement outlined a broader league eligibility policy, and CNBC’s report did not identify a pending player case.

Auriemma has led UConn’s women’s basketball program for more than 40 years and has won 12 NCAA Division I national championships, the most by a head coach, according to CNBC.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.