Sue Bird calls IOC transgender eligibility policy ‘fearmongering’

Basketball Hall of Famer and WNBA legend Sue Bird rejected the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) claim that the policy change was to protect women’s sports.

Bird agreed with American Olympic runner Nikki Hiltz, who identifies as non-binary transgender, and wrote that the IOC “is not solving an existing problem.” The former Seattle Storm star said the policy was just “fear mongering”.

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“That sums it all up for me because that’s not what’s presented as this huge issue that we need to protect women from,” Bird said in her conversation with Megan Rapinoe. “A Touch More” podcast. “This is fear mongering and you brought up the (Trump) administration so they can get votes. That’s it. To me, that’s all it’s ever been.”

“I think the other part is a reminder. What we always talk about and focus on is if you open this door, if you break this door, it blows up and you’re not policing women’s bodies in general. I feel very sad about that. So, going back to how we started, I just want to send a lot of love to the trans community.”

Earlier in the episode, Rapinoe broke the IOC’s policy and denied that it was based on science.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry speaks with volunteers ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. (Danielle Mascolo/Pool Photo via AP)

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“Eligibility for any event in the women’s category at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological women identified based on one-time SRY gene screening,” the IOC said.

The organization added that the policy was “evidence-based” and “expert-informed.” Testing can be done through a saliva, cheek swab or blood sample.

A presentation at the World Athletics panel held in Tokyo in September revealed that 50 to 60 athletes with male biological advantages have been finalists in the women’s category at global and continental championships since 2000.

Retired U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe looks on before the SheBelieves Cup match against Colombia at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

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The panel was chaired by World Athletics Health and Science Department head Dr. Stéphane Bermon officiated and said the sex tests were necessary due to the “overrepresentation” of DSD (differences in sex development) athletes among the finalists, according to multiple reports.

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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