The conversation surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports has once again moved to the forefront after French basketball standout Julie Tetart expressed openness to playing in the WNBA if given the opportunity.
Tetart, a 34-year-old center who plays professionally in Monaco, has emerged as one of the most dominant players in France’s second-tier Ligue 2. Standing 6-foot-3, Tetart delivered a remarkable 2025-26 season, leading the league in both scoring and rebounding while earning a trio of prestigious honors: Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year.
The French star averaged an impressive 21.2 points, 20.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, establishing themselves as one of the most productive players in the league.
Tetart, who publicly came out as transgender in October 2021, recently indicated that the possibility of competing in the WNBA would be welcomed. When asked about the prospect, Tetart said they would not turn down an opportunity to play in the world’s premier women’s basketball league.
The comments arrive at a time when transgender athlete participation has become one of the most debated topics in women’s sports.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently fueled the ongoing discussion during an interview with ESPN, saying she wants to “protect young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Her remarks generated widespread reactions across the basketball community and beyond. Supporters organized rallies at Indiana Fever games to show their backing for Cunningham, who is also known for her appearances as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model.
When asked about Cunningham’s position, Tetart responded with a brief, one-word answer but declined to elaborate further on the subject.
The discussion extends well beyond basketball as governing bodies across multiple sports continue reviewing eligibility policies for transgender athletes.
Last month, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced an updated eligibility policy requiring all players to undergo a mandatory one-time gene test, making it the first major professional sports organization to adopt such a measure.
The policy reflects a growing trend among sports organizations seeking to balance competitive fairness, athlete inclusion, and evolving scientific guidance. Similar discussions are taking place across numerous professional and amateur sports worldwide.
As the debate continues, the WNBA currently has no openly transgender players on active rosters. Tetart’s comments nonetheless raise the possibility of future discussions should an opportunity ever arise. Any potential participation in the league would be subject to the WNBA’s eligibility rules and collective bargaining agreements in effect at that time.
For now, Tetart’s focus remains on professional basketball in France, where an outstanding 2025-26 campaign has established the Monaco center as one of Europe’s most accomplished players outside the continent’s top division.
Whether that success eventually leads to interest from the WNBA remains uncertain, but Tetart’s willingness to embrace such an opportunity has added another chapter to an ongoing global conversation about transgender participation in elite women’s sports.
