French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart has publicly reiterated her ambition to play in the WNBA following a dominant 2025-26 season in France’s second-tier Ligue 2.
Tetart, a 6-foot-3 center, concluded the campaign averaging 21 points and 20 rebounds per game, including a record-setting performance in March where she posted 21 points and 30 rebounds in a single game. Her statistical dominance led to her being named Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year in Ligue 2, despite not receiving the league’s MVP award.
In an interview with OutKick, Tetart stated that playing in the WNBA remains a lifelong goal, though she acknowledged significant challenges. “If they contact me, I won’t say no,” she said. “But you have to be realistic: I’m old, and there are far better players than me.” She added that while the United States may pose political hurdles, she would be prepared to accept a WNBA contract if offered.
Tetart publicly came out as transgender in October 2021 and has since become a prominent figure in discussions about transgender athlete participation in women’s sports. Her case has drawn attention amid ongoing debates over inclusion policies in professional basketball.
Reactions to Tetart’s Season
Tetart’s performance sparked mixed reactions in France. While her individual achievements were widely recognized, the decision not to award her the league’s MVP title led to controversy. French media and fans questioned the voting process, with some alleging bias against transgender players. Activist group TRANSpire criticized the awards process, stating that “despite top-tier athletic performance,” Tetart and another transgender player, Aurore Pautou, were excluded from postseason honors. Pautou, a 43-year-old center, averaged 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds during the season.
The WNBA’s stance on transgender athletes remains a point of contention. The league has not yet commented on Tetart’s potential eligibility or recruitment. Tetart’s case adds to a broader discussion about the inclusion of transgender women in elite women’s sports, with advocates on both sides citing fairness, opportunity, and athletic performance as key considerations.
Background on the Debate
The inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports has been a contentious issue globally. Proponents of inclusion argue that transgender women should have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, while opponents express concerns about biological advantages and the impact on competitive fairness. The WNBA, like other professional sports leagues, has not established a uniform policy regarding transgender athlete participation, leaving eligibility decisions to individual cases and league discretion.
Tetart’s pursuit of a WNBA opportunity comes at a time when the league is under scrutiny for its approach to social and political issues. Some former players and advocates have criticized the WNBA for prioritizing activism over athletic competition, while others argue that inclusivity is a necessary step toward equity in sports.
For now, Tetart remains focused on her career in Europe, though she has not ruled out the possibility of a future in the WNBA. “Obviously, it’s a childhood dream just like for any female basketball player,” she said. “Unfortunately, it’s not possible.”