Project B founder Alana Beard has drawn a hard line on the matter of transgender inclusion in her league, unlike the WNBA, which has faced increasing criticism for its eligibility rules. With two male players declaring for the W Draft, it exposes a gap in the league’s policy. But former WNBA player Beard has decided to take a different direction, making her stance clear on this controversial issue.

Project B and Beard released a statement recently that effectively puts their policy on par with the latest Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) and International Olympic Committee guidelines, effectively barring the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. She also criticized the WNBA for not taking a stance on this highly polarizing issue, per reporter Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.

“Where’s the accountability, the integrity, the intentionality? All of it is needed right now, in what could become one of the most defining moments in the history of the sport.”

Beard has reportedly also told FOS that she was disappointed that the WNBA has not taken a firm stance on this issue. These statements from Project B come at a critical juncture for WNBA eligibility rules. The league has come under heavy fire, as two former NBA players, Enes Freedom and Royce White, have declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft. Publicly identifying as women, they state that there is no specific clause in the current rules that bars them from doing the same. As this has caused widespread debate in the WNBA community, Plan B has decided to align with the IOC and FIBA guidelines.

The IOC’s new policy effectively banned transgender women from competing in female categories at the Olympics. The decision was explained in a March 2026 article published by the IOC.

“Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females, determined on the basis of a one‑time SRY gene screening.”

With biological testing involved, players like Freedom and White will not be allowed to participate in women’s leagues. In addition to this, FIBA also announced in April that it would replicate and abide by the IOC’s policy.

“Following the issuance of the IOC policy on the protection of the female category, the Central Board confirmed that FIBA will follow the IOC policy for Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games, awaiting further guidance from the IOC on the practical, legal, and operational aspects of implementation.”

With the inaugural season of Project B expected to launch around November 2026 per USA Today, their alignment with the existing IOC and FIBA standards keeps them free from the media storm that the WNBA is facing currently.

Unlike the WNBA, Project B features an equity-based, player-first model backed by prominent executives and sports investors, including ex WNBA legends like Cheryl Miller, Candace Parker, and Lauren Jackson. Notable players like Sophie Cunningham, Azzi Fudd, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jonquel Jones have signed up for Project B.

While Project B is completely distancing itself from the debate around transgender athletes, the WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Englebert have a different way of dealing with the issue.

How Is the WNBA Tackling the Transgender Athletes Issue?

In the WNBA, unlike the other major leagues like the NFL, MLB, etc., the player eligibility rules are determined by collective negotiations between the league and the players. The latest collective bargaining agreement mentions that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

However, there is no specific clause or rule that specifically addresses gender identity or sex assigned at birth. This ambiguity is the source of varied definitions and interpretations by all the stakeholders.

Earlier in the week, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called for a discussion on this issue, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press. Engelbert has indicated that the issue will be discussed by the GMs and presidents of all the teams. However, any change to the current policy framework can only come through agreement and negotiation between players and the league.

“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead. We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”

The outcome of this discussion will determine the course of the issue in the years to come. With Project B, the IOC and FIBA explicitly stating that they will not entertain transgender athletes, the WNBA is still attempting to, through collective bargaining, figure out a solution that keeps their players happy.