As Sophie Cunningham‘s controversial comments continue to divide fans and coaches alike, a Monaco Basket Association star center has entered the conversation. While the public continues to hold rallies for and against the Indiana Fever guard, the 34-year-old French transgender athlete has spoken up about the reality of her chances to play in the WNBA after her incredible season.
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Fresh off a record-breaking season in France’s second division, Julie Tétart was asked whether she would accept a call from a WNBA franchise. Tétart responded to OutKick via Instagram direct message. In her response, shared by Fox News on Instagram, she was candid about the possible roadblocks.
“If they contact me, I won’t say no. But you have to be realistic: I’m old, and there are far better players than me. Obviously, it’s a childhood dream just like for any female basketball player, but unfortunately, it’s not possible.”
At 34 years old, Tétart plays center for Monaco BA in France’s second-tier women’s league, the Ligue Féminine 2. Whatever limitations age might suggest, her numbers last season said nothing of the sort. She finished the year averaging a staggering 21.2 points and 20.2 rebounds per game, leading the LF2 in both categories. In fact, in one game, she grabbed 30 rebounds alongside 21 points, shattering her previous all-time LF2 single-game rebounding record of 25.
The LF2 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year came her way. However, the one that did not was the league MVP. The decision was met with fury from French transgender advocacy groups, who viewed the omission as a clear and deliberate case of unfairness.
Having a trans athlete like Tetart compete in France’s second-tier women’s league has not been without its critics. Notably, former French WNBA player Audrey Sauret described it as “unfair competition” and expressed regret that the issue had not been addressed far sooner.
Sophie Cunningham‘s comments echoed this sentiment when she publicly voiced her opposition, later doubling down on her comments. Since first making those remarks, the 2025 Commissioner Cup champion has garnered some support as well as a wave of backlash across the basketball community.
Fans at her last three away games against the Seattle Storm, Portland Fire, and Minnesota Lynx have made their disagreement known through sustained booing, pro-trans flags, and signs. Counter-rallies have met every organized demonstration supporting her position. Prominent voices, including Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve and Natalie Nakase, have also repeatedly championed inclusion.
With all of that in mind, Tétart’s assessment of the WNBA as a door that is politically closed to her, regardless of her basketball ability. When asked about the hurdles, she replied plainly.
“The league, yes. The country, no.”
In June 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold state-level bans on transgender female athletes competing in school and college women’s sports, per the BBC. The French athlete deems it improbable that she will participate in the W.