The controversy surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports has swept up the WNBA, but Caitlin Clark has shown a reluctance to share her opinion on the issue.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who has long been a proponent against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports, has now shared why it is important for the Indiana Fever superstar to express her views on the matter.
Martina Navratilova Tells Caitlin Clark To Speak Up About Trans-Athlete Controversy
The controversy was sparked by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments advocating against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. Clark was initially not made available for media duties by the Fever, but spoke on the matter during a media availability last week.
The 24-year-old superstar claimed that it was up to sports leagues and governing bodies to make decisions on such topics, adding that her main focus was on basketball.
However, Navratilova believes that Clark should not have given such a neutral answer. The 69-year-old, who has been outspoken in her opposition to the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports, revealed why it is so important for Clark to make her stance on the issue clear.
“This is a basketball issue. This is an issue in every sport for women. For me, her not speaking about it is the equivalent of Michael Jordan saying, ‘Republicans buy sneakers too.’ He did not want to offend anybody. I think Caitlin is trying to be neutral here, but you cannot be neutral when it comes to your sport,” Navratilova said on the “Piers Morgan Uncensored” show.
“You cannot be neutral when it comes to your sport… I wish she’d speak out!”
Martina Navratilova thinks Caitlin Clark and the head of the WNBA should take a stance on trans women basketball players.
Watch more 👇
📺 https://t.co/08rWwv4TR7@piersmorgan | @Martina pic.twitter.com/8Bo5BZYYt9
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) August 7, 2026
Navratilova claimed that this was not a political issue and urged Clark to inspire others by sharing her thoughts on the matter.
“This is not a political issue. This is not an outsider issue. This is a basketball issue, just as much as it is a tennis issue. I wish she would speak up because that would really help everybody else to speak out about it. Courage is contagious,” she added.
Clark’s initial comments on the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports were met by a wave of criticism and praise. Some praised her for not getting involved in the issue. However, she also faced some backlash. Journalist Megyn Kelly led the criticism by calling Clark a “Coward” on social media.
It will be interesting to see if Clark decides to change her mind and share her thoughts on what has quickly become a nationwide debate on a heated issue.
