Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams has publicly voiced her support for transgender women competing in women’s basketball, becoming the latest prominent WNBA figure to address an increasingly contentious debate around participation in women’s sports.
Williams made her position clear when discussing the possibility of a transgender athlete entering the league.
“I think it’s trans, trans rights, right now, is our new battle. We see trans people’s rights being stripped away from them; there’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in.
I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to kind of trans people. We’ve seen players like Layshia Clarendon, who stepped into that forefront, and have been brave enough, and courageous enough, to step up. So I guess that’s the next battle we have to fight as athletes.”
WNBA star Gabby Williams supports trans women playing in the league:
“I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.” pic.twitter.com/5DKMjXC040
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 6, 2026
Williams is an established WNBA player and currently a key member of the Valkyries after signing a multi-year contract with Golden State in April. She entered the season coming off a career year with Seattle and has established herself as one of the league’s most respected perimeter defenders.
Williams’ stance also aligns closely with that of Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. Earlier this week, Nakase said she believes sports should emphasize belonging and inclusivity and explicitly stated that her support for women and girls participating in sports includes transgender women.
The larger issue remains highly debated. Supporters of transgender inclusion emphasize equal treatment, identity and access to competition, while critics argue that sex-based physiological differences can create questions about fairness and competitive balance in women’s categories.
Williams did not attempt to settle those broader scientific or regulatory questions with her comments. Instead, she addressed the situation from the perspective of a competitor and teammate: if a transgender woman were eligible to compete in the WNBA, Williams would have no issue sharing the court with her.
