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Cheryl Miller is a legendary female basketball player and coach. She is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of women's basketball. Though she did not play in the WNBA, she did serve as the first head coach and general manager of the Phoenix Mercury in the inaugural WNBA season.
Recently, there has been much controversy in the WNBA and who can play in it. After two former NBA players made a surprise decision, she has decided to address the matter directly.
Cheryl Miller blasts former NBA stars' WNBA declarations
Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White caused an uproar in the basketball community when the pair recently announced their intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom stated that after reviewing eligibility guidelines, he meets the requirements if self-identification suffices. White also said he identifies as a woman for professional basketball purposes and plans to enter the draft.
These announcements did not come out of nowhere, but after public comments by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The WNBA star has consistently voiced her opposition to letting transgender athletes in women’s sports, which has also created much controversy in the league. Currently, there are no detailed biological or self-identification criteria in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement other than saying only women are eligible.
In an interview with TMZ Sports at Los Angeles International Airport on August 11, 2026, Miller talked about the situation. She said, “I'm not giving them, those two, in particular, a whole lot of thought, because there's outsiders looking to hijack our network. It's horrible energy. It's horrible energy.”
She added, “I would have loved to see these two sitting courtside, you know, watching the game 30 years ago, 20 years ago, 5 years ago, 5 minutes ago. But now all of a sudden, y'all got a collective think tank? Man, shut that noise up.” The Basketball Hall of Famer also talked about other issues.
Cheryl Miller talks about focusing on WNBA season and transgender issue
Miller also said that her focus currently is on the WNBA season, which has just 13 regular-season games left with teams still competing for playoff positions. She said, “All I'm focused on, for real, for real, 100%, is 13 games remaining in The Dub. Playoffs are around the corner. You got spots four, five, six, seven, and eight battling to get home court position. That's what my focus is about.”
She also addressed the broader transgender athlete eligibility situation and admitted that there needs to be a solution eventually. Miller said, “I would definitely let cooler heads prevail right now. We want to protect everyone. And we don't want to exclude anyone, but I just think we all have to sit down in the off-season and collectively get our heads and minds around this issue. Obviously, it's a hotbed.”
It remains to be seen what else develops in this rising situation in the WNBA.
More WNBA news:
- Old DiJonai Carrington-Caitlin Clark video resurfaces after Sophie Cunningham foul
- A'ja Wilson vs. Olivia Miles debate is on with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lurking
- Chiney Ogwumike reacts to WNBA’s Caitlin Clark suspension decision
- Why Indiana lieutenant governor is calling for Stephanie White's firing
English (US)