USA Powerlifting Settles Minnesota Case Over Transgender Athlete Ban
USA Powerlifting agreed to settle a Minnesota lawsuit over its ban on transgender athletes on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, ending a high-profile legal fight in the state.
CBS News reported that the settlement resolves a suit brought by Jaycee Cooper, a transgender powerlifter who had been barred from competing in USA Powerlifting events. CBS News published the initial report late Tuesday afternoon.
The episode traces back to USA Powerlifting's policy limiting transgender athletes' participation, which prompted Cooper and others to challenge the organization in court and prompted wider debate over fairness and inclusion in sports.
Terms were not disclosed in initial reports, and the settlement could affect other legal challenges to sports eligibility rules nationwide.
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📌 Key Facts
- Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in October 2025 that USA Powerlifting's categorical exclusion of transgender women from women's competition violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
- JayCee Cooper was denied entry to two women's powerlifting competitions in 2018 and later sued USA Powerlifting for discrimination.
- On April 28, 2026, Gender Justice announced that a settlement between Cooper and USA Powerlifting had been finalized, though terms were not disclosed.
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