Texas Lawsuit Challenges NCAA Over ‘Women’s Sports’ Classification
Texas has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing the organization of misleading consumers by promoting “women’s sports” that allow men to compete. The lawsuit, led by Attorney General Ken Paxton, demands the NCAA either exclude transgender women from women’s competitions or stop referring to these events as women’s sports.
The state’s legal complaint emphasizes that the term “woman” has historically meant “an adult human female,” and allowing men to compete against women creates unfair and unsafe conditions. Texas argues that such practices deprive women of athletic opportunities, including medals, records, and scholarships.
The lawsuit claims that the NCAA’s practices confuse consumers, who expect to watch women-only events. It highlights the growing popularity of women’s athletics, with tournaments like the NCAA women’s basketball and volleyball championships seeing significant growth in viewership and attendance.
Additionally, Texas argues that the physical advantages men have over women, even with hormone therapy, raise serious safety concerns. The suit cites a 2022 incident involving swimmer Lia Thomas, noting that many fans and athletes were appalled to see a man competing in women’s events and taking opportunities from women.
The lawsuit also includes a reference to past instances where men dressed as women to dominate women’s competitions, causing public outrage and further supporting the case that the NCAA is engaging in deceptive advertising.
