Leavitt’s comment, posted on X and later deleted, came after a series of unverified claims about Griner’s gender circulated online, fueled by longstanding biases and misinformation. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the WNBA’s most prominent figures, has not publicly responded to the slur. However, her teammates and supporters were quick to rally, with Mercury guard Diana Taurasi posting on X: “Brittney is a champion, a trailblazer, and a woman who’s carried this league with grace. Shame on anyone dragging her name through the mud.” The hashtag #StandWithBrittney trended globally within hours, with fans and athletes condemning Leavitt’s remarks as baseless and harmful.

The WNBA’s announcement of mandatory gender testing has added fuel to the already heated debate. In a press release, the league stated: “To ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of competition, the WNBA will introduce standardized gender verification protocols for the 2026 season. These measures aim to address evolving eligibility questions while respecting player privacy.” The policy, reportedly developed in consultation with medical experts and league stakeholders, will involve testing to confirm players’ biological sex, though specifics remain undisclosed. The move has drawn immediate scrutiny, with critics arguing it risks alienating transgender and non-binary athletes and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The decision comes amid a broader cultural reckoning over gender identity in sports. The WNBA, long a beacon of progressivism, has championed inclusivity, notably supporting Griner during her 2022 detention in Russia and advocating for social justice causes. Yet, the new policy has sparked accusations of backtracking. Transgender advocate and former collegiate athlete Lia Thomas posted on X: “This isn’t about fairness—it’s about fear and exclusion. The WNBA is caving to pressure and setting a dangerous precedent.” Conversely, some voices, including anonymous league insiders, claim the policy addresses concerns about competitive balance raised by a small but vocal group of fans and commentators.

Griner, who has faced disproportionate scrutiny throughout her career due to her physicality and deep voice, is no stranger to such controversies. In 2013, she came out as gay, and her openness about her identity has made her a lightning rod for both adoration and criticism. The timing of Leavitt’s attack, coupled with the WNBA’s policy shift, has led many to speculate that Griner was a catalyst for the decision, though the league has not confirmed this.

The backlash has been swift and divided. On X, supporters of the testing policy argue it protects the integrity of women’s sports, with one user writing, “Rules exist for a reason. Biology matters in competition.” Meanwhile, opponents call it a betrayal of the WNBA’s values, with one post reading, “The league is throwing its own under the bus to appease bigots. Disgraceful.” The debate has also drawn attention to the lack of clarity around how the policy will be enforced and whether it complies with anti-discrimination laws.

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) issued a statement promising to review the policy: “We are committed to ensuring any new regulations respect our players’ dignity, privacy, and rights. We will work closely with the league to address concerns.” Meanwhile, Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, called the situation “a painful distraction from Brittney’s focus on basketball and leadership.”

As the 2025 season continues, the WNBA faces a defining moment. The league’s attempt to navigate this complex issue risks alienating fans on both sides of the debate while placing players like Griner under an even harsher spotlight. For now, the sports world watches closely, awaiting further details on a policy that could reshape the future of women’s basketball—and its commitment to inclusivity.