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Debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s basketball continues to generate discussion, particularly in the WNBA following recent comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham about protecting opportunities for female athletes. The conversation has since expanded beyond the league itself, with attention turning to transgender players competing in other countries and whether they could eventually receive an opportunity in the WNBA.
One of the latest names to enter the discussion is French transgender basketball player Julie Tétart. In a recent interview, Tétart said she would accept a WNBA contract if the opportunity arose. The 6-foot-3 forward enjoyed a standout 2025-26 season in France’s Ligue 2 with a club in Monaco, averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game to lead the league in both categories after publicly coming out as transgender in 2021.
Why Hasn’t Julie Tétart Received a WNBA Opportunity Yet?
Julie Tétart said she would welcome the chance to play in the WNBA if an opportunity ever came her way, although she admitted she does not expect it to happen. Speaking about the possibility, the 34-year-old said, “If they contact me, I won’t say no. But you have to be realistic: I’m old, and there are far better players than me!” Despite her modest assessment, Tétart enjoyed an outstanding season in France’s Ligue 2, earning Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Domestic Player of the Year honours after leading the league in both scoring and rebounding.
Asked whether playing in the WNBA had ever been a goal, Tétart acknowledged it had always been an ambition but suggested the current political climate in the United States makes it unlikely. “Obviously, it’s a childhood dream just like for any female basketball player, but unfortunately, it’s not possible,” Tétart said. When asked why, the French player replied, “The league, yes. The country, no, (laughing),” appearing to reference the wider debate in the U.S. surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports.
However, when informed that several figures within the WNBA have publicly supported inclusion, Tétart reiterated that the door remains open. “I won’t say no,” the French basketball player said, making it clear that she would consider a move to the league if the opportunity ever arose.
Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Speaks Out in Support of Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase became the latest WNBA coach to weigh in on the ongoing discussion surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Speaking ahead of her team’s game against the Toronto Tempo, Nakase was asked about recent demonstrations supporting Sophie Cunningham’s comments on protecting women’s sports. In response, the reigning WNBA Coach of the Year expressed her support for inclusion, saying, “I think just in terms of how I’m seeing it is, if I can answer, for me sports is about belonging. It’s about inclusivity. It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self.”
Nakase also reflected on her own experiences of facing criticism throughout her career because of her height and Japanese-American heritage. Explaining why inclusion is important to her, she said, “I’m big on that because I have been criticized for my height, for my ethnicity. I’ve been in those ‘you shouldn’t belong here,’ (moments) and for me I don’t want that space, especially Golden State, to ever feel like that. I’m all about women, little girls deserving to play, and that includes trans women. So I’m all about inclusivity.”