THIS JUST HAPPENED: Karoline Leavitt calls Brittney Griner a ‘shit’ after discovering the truth about her gender. In a surprising and controversial move, the Women’s National Basketball Αssociation (WNBΑ) has announced that it will implement mandatory sex testing for all players starting next season. This decision comes amid discussions surrounding gender identity and inclusivity in women’s
.
.
.
July 21, 2025 (New York) — In a move that has ignited both surprise and debate, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced that starting next season, every player will be required to undergo sex verification testing. The league says the policy aims to ensure compliance with its eligibility standards for participation in the women’s division—a decision that critics argue disproportionately targets athletes based on gender identity and undermines the principles of inclusion and fairness.
A New Standard for Player Eligibility
WNBA Commissioner Amanda Clark delivered the announcement in a press briefing Monday, stating the league’s intention to “create a level playing field while maintaining strict adherence to our eligibility rules.” According to the statement, all players—both returning veterans and incoming rookies—will be expected to submit to a “comprehensive biological verification process” prior to the opening of training camp.
“The WNBA’s mission is to uphold the integrity of women’s sport, and this policy reflects our commitment to that principle,” Commissioner Clark explained. “We recognize the sensitivity of the subject and will ensure the process is confidential, respectful, and consistent with both medical and ethical guidelines.”
Despite these assurances, the policy has sparked a firestorm of criticism from players, advocates, and legal experts.
Backlash from Players and Advocates
Perhaps no reaction has garnered as much attention as that from Brittney Griner, the superstar center and vocal LGBTQ+ advocate who has embodied both the athletic and cultural heart of the league. Griner, a two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, released a statement expressing her profound disappointment and concern:
“Women’s basketball stands for empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. This policy erodes those fundamental values. It sends a message that who we are is secondary to arbitrary tests—and that is unacceptable.”
Griner’s words echo concerns from the WNBA Players Association, which questions both the legal and moral grounding of mandatory sex testing. Much of the pushback centers on issues of privacy, bodily autonomy, and the inherent complexity of sex and gender.
“We’re aware of the league’s stated goals, but we believe this policy goes far beyond what is necessary and fair,” said Anna Jenkins, president of the Players Association. “It singles out our athletes and risks stigmatizing those who don’t fit a narrowly defined biological profile. We intend to explore every option to protect our players’ rights.”
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Legal analysts warn that the WNBA could face lawsuits under both civil rights and privacy statutes. “Mandatory medical testing, especially one as intrusive and potentially stigmatizing as sex verification, treads on very shaky constitutional and statutory ground,” said Ellen Park, a sports law professor at Columbia University. “You could see claims ranging from gender discrimination to violations of medical privacy.”
From an ethical perspective, mainstream medical groups have decried the measure as outdated and scientifically questionable. The American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society have repeatedly cautioned against mandatory sex testing, describing it as “invasive and not reflective of the wide natural variation in athletes’ sex characteristics.”
One key concern is the prevalence of disorders of sex development (DSDs), which can blur traditional definitions of male and female. For many athletes, sex exists on a spectrum—or is not easily categorized—challenging the assumption that biological testing can neatly determine eligibility.
Comparisons to Global Athletics
The WNBA’s policy echoes controversial standards imposed by global sports organizations—most notably World Athletics, which has required certain female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels to reduce those levels to compete in women’s events. That requirement drew global protests, particularly after runner Caster Semenya’s legal battle ended with her removal from international competition.
“These policies rarely achieve what they claim,” said sports sociologist Dr. Miguel Rivera. “They end up drawing more attention to differences, fueling stigma, and reinforcing gender binaries at odds with contemporary understandings of sex and gender identity.”
WNBA Responds to Criticism
In the wake of public backlash, the WNBA has emphasized that the testing will adhere to the highest ethical standards and will be reviewed annually. According to league officials, only a select group of technicians and medical professionals will have access to results, which will not be disclosed publicly. The league is reportedly finalizing a detailed protocol as part of a “comprehensive athlete support program.”
Commissioner Clark emphasized that the league remains committed to creating an “inclusive environment” for all players, stating, “Our priority is to balance fairness in competition with respect for each individual. We are listening, engaging with experts, and open to collaborative improvements.”
Player Perspectives and Mixed Reactions
Not all players have condemned the policy. Veteran forward Lisa Matthews, in her 12th WNBA season, shared cautiously supportive views:
“I understand the league’s desire for ensuring equal competition. If the process is handled professionally and privately, I can see why some players might be okay with it—though I still worry about the message it sends.”
Still, many players, especially within LGBTQ+ and nonbinary communities, see the policy as a troubling step backward. Advocacy groups warn that it could signal a broader shift toward more intrusive policies in women’s sports—making inclusion more precarious, not less.
Stakes and Implications Moving Forward
With training camps scheduled to open in late September, the WNBA is entering a turbulent period. The league hopes the policy will settle quickly with minimal disruption—but advocates warn of healthy pushback.
Legal filings may emerge by early fall if the Players Association or individual athletes seek injunctions. At the same time, public opinion appears to be turning against mandatory testing. In a recent online poll by SB Nation, 68 percent of respondents said the policy was “unnecessary” or “invasive,” with only 15 percent supporting it.
For Brittney Griner, the policy represents more than a personal affront—it’s an ideological flashpoint. “There is no gender test,” she said in a separate podcast interview last week. “A person is a person. Basketball is for everyone who believes in themselves and works hard. That’s what I stand for.”
The Path Ahead
Over the next several weeks, expect a series of high-profile voices—athletes, legal experts, human rights advocates—to weigh in. The WNBA may revise the policy based on ongoing consultations. But for now, the league has staked a firm position, and the debate is far from over.
Courts and contracts: Could legal action delay or overturn the policy?
Public and player sentiment: Will outcry force the WNBA to rethink its approach?
Precedent in sports: Could other women’s leagues follow or reject this direction?
As the calendar moves forward, the WNBA will face a critical test—both on the court and in the court of public opinion. With player eligibility hanging in the balance, this new policy could profoundly reshape the league and redefine the meaning of fairness and inclusion in sports.
