A Major Shift in the Fight to Protect Women’s Sports
The conversation around men competing in women’s sports is changing quickly. For years, many organizations, media outlets, and public figures avoided the topic or pushed back against concerns about fairness. That is no longer the case. Recent developments show a clear move toward protecting sex-based categories in sports.
The International Olympic Committee Updates Its Women’s Sports Policy
Earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee announced a new policy. Starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games, eligibility in women’s Olympic events will be limited to biological females.
The policy uses a one-time SRY gene screening to determine sex. It applies to individual and team sports and aims to protect fairness, safety, and the integrity of the female category.
Not a single female athlete expected to compete in 2028 pushed back on the new rule. No one defended it publicly, but no one criticized it either. Female athletes want fair competition and a protected female category.
The Supreme Court Upholds Laws Protecting Women’s and Girls’ Sports
A few weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a major ruling. The Court upheld laws in 27 states that keep women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.
The decision supports the right of states to maintain sex-based teams in schools and public programs. It recognizes that Title IX allows for sex-segregated sports to help ensure fair competition.
The WTA Introduces Genetic Sex Screening for Players
Then, on July 20, the Women’s Tennis Association announced that it would begin genetic sex screening for players.
This policy requires a simple test to confirm biological sex, moving beyond previous testosterone-based rules. It reflects growing efforts by sports organizations to preserve the integrity of women’s competition.
WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out for Female Athletes
Most recently, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham spoke out in a new ESPN article. The Indiana Fever guard stated clearly that women and girls must have their own sports and spaces.
She emphasized the importance of protecting young girls in locker rooms and on the court from competing against biological males. Cunningham said she wants to extend love with truth and honesty, rejecting the idea that supporting fairness means promoting hate.
Now, one of the most prominent female professional athletes is taking a public stand. More athletes are likely to follow.
Momentum Is Building for Sex-Based Categories in Sports
These developments—from the IOC policy and state laws backed by the Supreme Court to the WTA’s testing policy and a prominent athlete speaking plainly—signal real momentum.
What was once treated as a controversial position is gaining wider acceptance. The change is happening gradually, but each step builds toward broader agreement that women’s sports must remain protected.
XX-XY Athletics Has Been Leading the Fight
At XX-XY Athletics, we have been shouting “Save Women’s Sports” from the rooftops for more than two years. We were early, but we were right.
We design apparel for women and girls who train, compete, and believe in fair competition. We believe women’s sports deserve protection so female athletes can succeed on a level playing field.
The Tide Is Turning for Women’s Sports
The tide is turning. It is becoming increasingly clear—and increasingly normal—to say that women must have their own sports.
