Meet the 6ft 3in trans French basketball star who wants to join the WNBA and could prove Sophie Cunningham right

Julie Tetart, a 34-year-old French transgender basketball player standing at 6 feet 3 inches, has expressed her desire to join the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her aspirations come amid growing discussions around the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Tetart, who plays for a team in Monaco and competes in France’s second-tier Ligue 2, recently concluded a standout 2025–26 season, during which she led her league in scoring and rebounding. In March, Tetart recorded an impressive 21 points and 30 rebounds in a single game, setting a personal best. Despite these achievements, her recognition was mixed. While she was named Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Domestic Player of the Year, she was overlooked for Ligue 2 MVP honors. Nonetheless, her performance underscored her skill and dedication to the sport. Tetart came out as transgender in October 2021 and has since become a prominent figure in discussions about transgender representation in sports. She has stated that joining the WNBA is a long-held dream, though she acknowledges the challenges ahead. “If they contact me, I won’t say no,” she told OutKick. “But you have to be realistic: I’m old, and there are far better players than me!” Her interest in the WNBA coincides with a broader debate over transgender athlete participation in women’s leagues. This conversation gained momentum following remarks by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who argued for restrictions to protect young girls from competing against “biological men.” Cunningham’s comments have drawn criticism within the WNBA, including from Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who wore a “Trans Kids Belong” t-shirt in response. Tetart responded to Cunningham’s stance with a simple “Aucun,” meaning “None” in French, suggesting she does not agree with the notion that transgender athletes should be excluded. However, she did not elaborate further on her position. The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has intensified in recent months, with voices from both sides of the argument emerging. Former WNBA player Audrey Sauret, who is also French, has raised concerns about the impact of allowing transgender athletes into women’s leagues. She argues that such participation creates unfair competition for biological women and could discourage young athletes from pursuing their dreams. Sauret described Ligue 2 as a “testing ground” for progressive ideas, but warned that allowing transgender athletes into professional competitions risks creating an uneven playing field. “This can close doors and discourage aspiring athletes,” she said. “This situation risks becoming commonplace, even if it’s regulated. Men and women aren’t built the same way. Changing hormones doesn’t erase gender differences.” Tetart’s potential entry into the WNBA highlights the complex intersection of identity, sport, and policy. As a seasoned player with a proven track record, she represents a unique case in the ongoing dialogue about inclusivity versus fairness in women’s sports. Whether or not she will be able to realize her dream depends on a variety of factors, including league policies, public perception, and the evolving landscape of transgender rights in athletics. For now, Tetart remains focused on her current career, while keeping the door open to future opportunities. If the WNBA reaches out, she has indicated she would consider the possibility. Her journey reflects the broader challenges faced by transgender individuals seeking to compete in traditionally male-dominated spaces, and underscores the need for continued dialogue and understanding in the world of sports.