Did the WNBA Ban Brittney Griner? Viral Claims Debunked
Rumors swirled in August 2025 alleging that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had made explosive comments about Brittney Griner’s gender and that the WNBA would enforce mandatory “sex testing” for players. But fact-checkers confirm: None of it is true.
Where Did the False Claims Originate?
A viral Facebook post from the page Today in America falsely claimed Leavitt had called Griner a slur after “discovering the truth about her gender” and that the WNBA would require testing next season. The post, which garnered thousands of reactions, linked to a dubious blog—one of many fabricated stories designed to exploit political and cultural tensions for clicks and ad revenue.
Investigations by Snopes found no credible news sources reporting these claims. The White House dismissed them as “obviously fake,” and the WNBA has not announced any policy changes. Some posts even used AI-generated media to push the false narrative.
Why Target Griner?
The Phoenix Mercury star has long faced scrutiny over her appearance, which she addressed in a 2015 ESPN interview: “People have mistaken me for a man my whole life.” Her 2022 detention in Russia—where she was wrongfully imprisoned for cannabis possession—also made her a frequent subject of misinformation.
So, Is Brittney Griner Banned From the WNBA?
No. Did Brittney Griner get banned from the WNBA? Absolutely not. The league has no “sex testing” policy, and Griner remains an active player. These baseless rumors follow a pattern of politically charged hoaxes targeting high-profile figures.
For now, Griner continues her career unimpeded—despite the noise.
