In a span of three days, four WNBA head coaches have spoken out on the contentious issue of trans athletes competing in women's sports. The latest to address the topic was Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries and the reigning WNBA Coach of The Year.

Nakase responded to questions about recent rallies supporting Sophie Cunningham's position on protecting women's sports during a pre-game press conference on Sunday, August 3, 2026, ahead of the Valkyries' victory over the Toronto Tempo. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports, stating, "It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self."

Nakase further reflected on her personal experiences with exclusion, saying, "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."

The discussion comes amid growing protests outside games supporting Cunningham's stance, who has doubled down on her views despite controversy stirred by an ESPN profile. Meanwhile, other coaches have taken varied approaches: Cheryl Reeve defended the right of "Save Women’s Sports" demonstrators to gather outside games but stated that the scenario of "biological men" in girls' locker rooms is "not the case."

The debate continues to unfold as the WNBA and its coaches navigate the complex cultural and social dynamics surrounding trans athletes in women's sports.

Sources