New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- The WNBA pushed back hard against attempts to create controversy around transgender women competing in the league. League officials made clear that no eligibility issues currently affect the competition and rejected efforts to turn the topic into a tool for division.

Hours after the league's anti-hate task force held a virtual meeting, a WNBA spokesperson released a firm statement. "There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA, and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others," the spokesperson said.

The same statement added: "Today's meeting covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate...