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Rodgers, in an Instagram post, said she was saddened by the outcome but thanked those who supported her in public.
A transgender basketballer, Lexi Rodgers, was barred on Tuesday, April 18, from playing in an Australian women's competition, with the sport's governing body acknowledging it was a "complex area to navigate".
As reported by AFP, Rodgers had applied to play for a semi-professional regional league side the Kilsyth Cobras, sparking debate and leading Basketball Australia to convene a panel of experts which ruled Rodgers ineligible.
The panel included a medical officer and a sports and exercise physician to look at the matter.
"As the governing body we acknowledge we're still on a path of education and understanding. To aid us in developing our framework, Lexi will provide feedback and advice from her experiences.
The balance of inclusivity, fairness and the competitive nature of sport will always be a complex area to navigate, and we thank those involved who have maintained integrity and respect throughout the process," Basketball Australia said in a statement.
It added that the eligibility of transgender players was assessed on a case-by-case basis.
On her part, Rodgers said in an Instagram post that she was saddened by the outcome but thanked those who supported her in public.
"I have been humbled by the number of people who have publicly spoken in favour of including me as a player. Such support fills me with pride, but also sends an honest message of equality to those who are also seeking belonging within sport," she wrote.
She still has the hope of being allowed to play at a later date. "I hope Basketball Australia understands that this is not the end of my journey as an athlete and that it must not miss future opportunities to demonstrate its values," she added.
Rodgers enquired about joining Kilsyth late last year and was reportedly invited to participate in try-outs before an eligibility assessment, as required by Basketball Victoria.
Meanwhile, Australian former NBA star Andrew Bogut called it the "right decision" in a post on his Twitter page.
"In saying that, it is beyond alarming we live in a time where an 'expert panel' is needed to make these decisions. Don't let the activists try and overcomplicate what is simple: Women's sports are for Women," the 2015 NBA title holder wrote on Twitter.
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