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

By JAMES COHEN, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 00:09, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 00:15, 5 August 2026 French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart has revealed her dreams of playing in the WNBA, potentially adding a new chapter to the ongoing debate over transgender athletes participating in professional women's sports. The 34-year-old center recently finished a dominant 2025-26 campaign for her team in Monaco, leading France's second-tier Ligue 2 in both scoring and rebounding.  Tetart averaged 21 points and 20 rebounds per game, including a record-breaking performance in March where she posted 21 points and 30 rebounds in one game. Despite her individual dominance on the court, Tetart's stellar statistical season drew mixed reactions in France. Media and fan uproar ensued after she was bypassed for Ligue 2 MVP honors, though she was ultimately recognized as Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Domestic Player of the Year. Tetart, who publicly came out as trans in October 2021, admitted that playing in the WNBA remains a lifelong aspiration – though she acknowledged significant hurdles to making that dream a reality. '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!' Tetart told OutKick. French transgender basketball star Julie Tetart has revealed dreams of playing in the WNBA The 34-year-old recently finished a dominant 2025-26 campaign for her team in Monaco Her calls to play in the WNBA come amid drama surrounding transgender athlete inclusion - after Sophie Cunningham spoke about 'protecting young girls' from 'biological men'  'Obviously, it's a childhood dream just like for any female basketball player, but unfortunately, it's not possible,' the French native wrote back.  When pressed on why it's 'not possible,' Tetart noted: 'The league, yes. The country, no,' hinting at potential political hurdles under the Trump administration.  However, she confirmed that if a WNBA franchise offered her a contract, she would be ready to step onto the court. 'I won't say no,' she added. Former WNBA player Audrey Sauret, who is French, voiced concerns earlier this year regarding trans athletes competing in women's leagues, arguing that allowing participation creates unfair competition for biological women and risks discouraging female athletes.  She said: 'Ligue 2 serves as a kind of testing ground, to introduce trendy ideas, but by allowing them to participate in professional competitions, we create unfair competition, especially for younger players. 'This can close doors and discourage aspiring athletes. 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. I regret that this issue wasn't addressed much sooner.'  The prospect of Tetart - who stands at 6ft 3in - entering the league comes as the WNBA faces heightened scrutiny and debate regarding athlete eligibility.  Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently sparked widespread national discussion after publicly advocating for restrictions to 'protect young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men.' '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!' Tetart said about her aspirations of playing in the WNBA  Tetart averaged 21 points and 20 rebounds per game, including a record-breaking performance in March where she posted 21 points and 30 rebounds in one game Cunningham's comments have been met with backlash in the WNBA - such as when Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a 'Trans Kids Belong' t-shirt on Sunday  When asked to respond directly to Cunningham's stance on transgender participation in women's athletics, Tetart offered a brief reply: 'Aucun' – translating to 'None.' Cunningham's comments have sparked fierce debate in recent weeks and on Sunday Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve made her feelings on the topic extremely clear – after opting to wear a 'Trans Kids Belong' t-shirt on the sidelines in Minneapolis.  In recent weeks, fans have been left divided by Cunningham's comments. While some have cheered her on the court, others have booed. And while some have brought signs praising her, others brought signs to criticize her remarks. Back in 2022, Indiana Fever star Cunningham faced heavy backlash after sharing a post from CBS Sports host Josh Pate regarding the controversy surrounding former Penn transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and their inclusion on the women's team. Pate's post read: 'Female collegiate athletes deserve so much better than this'.  Cunningham was forced to release a statement over the matter, at the time, saying that she 'stands' with athletes, but calling for 'fair' competition in events. In a recent interview with ESPN, Cunningham spoke about the backlash and doubled down on her remarks, saying: 'I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that'. 'I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men.'