Charlamagne Calls Transgender Athlete Debate 'Ridiculous' Before Midterms

Charlamagne tha God called the back-and-forth about transgender athletes in women's leagues "ridiculous" on his "Brilliant Idiots" podcast Sunday. He argued that Democrats were foolish to revive this argument right before midterm elections. The host said he did not know why the story was resurfacing and expressed disbelief that people would fall for these tricks so close to a vote.

The talk started after WNBA star Sophie Cunningham took a hard line against trans participation while playing for the Indiana Fever. Other players in the league hold different views, as do coaches like Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx. Reeve recently wore a "Trans Kids Belong" shirt during a game against the Fever.

Charlamagne pushed back on mixing two separate ideas together. He insisted that if an athlete is born a biological man, they should not play in the WNBA. That answer should come from everyone. When someone asked if trans people deserve rights, he snapped back to the specific question posed. If you are born male, you do not belong there. Period.

Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have announced plans to enter the 2027 WNBA draft. Charlamagne told listeners that athletes should simply ask why anyone is asking them about this in the first place. Loren LeRosa stepped into the studio as co-host Andrew Schultz was absent. She played the role of a fan asking the question.

She explained her side by saying she believes all people matter and that identifying with something means one deserves a fair shot in America. Charlamagne agreed but drew a hard line at the WNBA specifically. He noted that identifying as a woman is fine, but playing in a women's league requires different rules. This issue has become a major focus for Republicans and President Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle.

Several top Republicans backed Cunningham, with Vice President JD Vance calling her courageous. Democrats mostly stayed quiet on the story. Payton McNabb of Independent Women told Fox News Digital that she agreed with Charlamagne. She said it is absurd to still debate this in 2026. The very fact that we are arguing proves why the story persists.

McNabb noted that Cunningham gave a clear answer, yet the WNBA has not stepped up to settle the matter once and for all. Men declaring for the draft show an absurdity that could end tomorrow but keeps circling instead. Cunningham doubled down on her stance at the end of July before a game. She said she believes it is common sense to protect children, specifically little girls involved in these sports.

She admitted she is not very political but does hold strong beliefs. The debate continues despite calls for clarity from both sides of the aisle.

I have morals, and I'll always stand on those," she explained. This statement came as a firm defense of her own principles.

Cunningham also rejected the idea that her position stems from bigotry, saying defending women's sports doesn't mean harboring hatred toward anyone else. "I extend love, and I don't dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here," she said, adding that she has never expressed hatred toward the trans community.

The report includes a note to CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP. OutKick's Alejandro Avila contributed to this report.