Sophie Cunningham remains at the center of the hotly contested debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sport. The Indiana Fever guard’s stance that biological males should not compete against women has sparked passionate reactions even outside the WNBA.
On Tuesday, the conversation shifted in a new direction when reports surfaced about a transgender woman dominating France’s Ligue 2. The development immediately added more fuel to the discussion, with some voices daring WNBA teams to back their beliefs by offering the player a contract.
Sophie Cunningham Controversy Fuels Challenge for WNBA Teams to Sign French Transgender Athlete
Last month, Cunningham made it clear that her stance is rooted in her morals and not hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Her comments immediately drew widespread criticism inside and outside the WNBA. The debate took another turn this month when French basketball standout Julie Tétart said she would not pass up an opportunity to play in the WNBA if one became available.
Tétart, who reportedly came out as transgender in October 2021, became one of the biggest stories in French basketball during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-3 center averaged 21 points and 20 rebounds per game for Monaco while winning Domestic Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Player of the Year honors.
Despite those accomplishments, controversy followed after Tétart did not receive the league MVP award. According to multiple reports, voters allegedly declined to give a transgender athlete the honor.
Another transgender player, Aurore Pautou, also reportedly missed out on awards for which she was eligible.
Tétart declined to comment directly on Cunningham’s unshakable stance but reiterated that she would welcome an opportunity to compete in the WNBA.
That possibility quickly ignited social media.
“Julie Tetart, a man pretending to be a woman in the French league. … Currently averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game. We haven’t seen such dominance on the court since Michael Jordan. Let’s get him and 50 more like him in the WNBA so we can all laugh our [expletive] off. Have fun ladies!” Pro America Politics posted.
Julie Tetart, a man pretending to be a woman in the French league, rips down a rebound and goes coast to coast for a layup.
Currently averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game.
We haven’t seen such dominance on the court since Michael Jordan.
Let’s get him and 50 more like…
— Pro America Politics (@proamericapol) August 4, 2026
“Let her join..them WNBA folks talk the most trash….this (expletive) finna be Wilt Chamberlain over there,” an X user wrote.
“No, it needs to be way more egregious than this. We need a whole team of just straight up dudes to temporarily identify as Trans for one WNBA season to just rinse the whole league. Ironically, it will be the most-watched season in WNBA history,” another account added.
No, it needs to be way more egregious than this
we need a whole team of just straight up dudes to temporarily identify as Trans for one wnba season to just rinse the whole league
Ironically it will be the most watched season in WNBA history
— MAGA Life (@MAGALife69420) August 4, 2026
A political commentator also weighed in: “A biological male who previously played men’s basketball is now crushing women’s competition-and openly eyeing the highest level of women’s pro ball.”
JUST IN: Transgender player Julie Tétart, dominating France’s women’s second division with averages of 21 points and 20 rebounds per game, was asked about joining the WNBA:
“If they contact me, I won’t say no.”
A biological male who previously played men’s basketball is now… https://t.co/TNgx3RYieh
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) August 4, 2026
“This is the exact hypocrisy: ‘trust the science’ when it suits the narrative, but ignore basic biology, male physical advantages in strength, bone density, and muscle mass when it comes to erasing fair women’s sports. Female athletes lose opportunities, scholarships, and titles so males can play dress-up.”
“This is Total insane, and I hope it doesn’t happen!!! … Tétart is a 6’3” man pretending to be a woman, averaging 20 rebounds per game,” another MAGA supporter reacted.
“The trans star won Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year, according to Fox News. What is the @WNBA waiting for?” Trending Politics co-owner Collin Rugg questioned why the WNBA had not acted.
Social media users are calling on a WNBA team to sign transgender French basketball player Julie Tétart, who averages 21 points per game.
Tétart, who came out as trans in 2021, is a 6’3” machine, averaging 20 rebounds per game.
Tétart led France’s ‘Ligue 2’ in scoring and… pic.twitter.com/R7FN8Bs8HU
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 4, 2026
“Nashville Balls are ready to sign. @ClayTravis is drafting the contract now,” one of Cunningham’s most vocal supporters, former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, also joined the conversation.
Nashville Balls are ready to sign. @ClayTravis is drafting the contract now. https://t.co/npF5ei4YX1
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 4, 2026
Cunningham’s own head coach, Stephanie White, refused to offer a definitive response. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also weighed in, arguing that society has “to find a way to be inclusive.”
Reeve’s comments, in turn, sparked criticism from White House correspondent Alec Lace.
“Cheryl Reeve says biological men in girls’ locker rooms is just a ‘problematic narrative.’ This is what she wants for your daughter’s team and locker room,” Lace wrote.
Cheryl Reeve says biological men in girls’ locker rooms is just a “problematic narrative.”
Meanwhile in France: Jimmy “Julie” Tétart is dominating the women’s basketball league, leading in points and rebounds.
This is what she wants for your daughter’s team and locker room. pic.twitter.com/ydvJpdJOHF
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) August 4, 2026
Whether Tétart ever receives a WNBA opportunity remains uncertain. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the league’s conversation about transgender participation is no longer confined to basketball.
It has evolved into one of the most polarizing cultural debates in sports, with every new development drawing national attention far beyond the court.
