Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase defends trans athletes in women's sports as culture war engulfs WNBA

Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase defended the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports during a pre-game news conference Sunday, joining multiple WNBA coaches taking public stances amid a culture-war backdrop. Reigning WNBA Coach of the Year, Nakase was asked about rallies supporting Sophie Cunningham’s position on protecting women’s sports before Golden State’s win against Toronto Tempo. Nakase said sports are “about belonging” and “inclusivity,” adding that she has faced criticism related to her height and ethnicity as a third-generation Japanese-American, and wants Golden State never to make others feel they “shouldn’t belong here.” She also said she supports trans women. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova criticized the issue on X, while other coaches—Stephanie White, Cheryl Reeve and Alex Sarama—offered varied responses.