Ken Paxton Sues Adult Swim League Over Trans Athlete Participation

For allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports in San Antonio in April 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued U.S. Masters Swimming for violating the state's Deceptive Trade Practices

Two transgender women raced in women's age groups at Northside Swim Center's Spring Nationals on Thursday, triggering the complaint. Five 45–49 title medals earned 47-year-old Ana Caldas criticism from conservative journalists and lawmakers.

Paxton's office claims that U.S. Masters Swimming, a charity that promotes senior wellness through swimming clubs across the state, misled participants and unfairly allowed trans women to race in women's divisions. State consumer protection laws allow the AG to sue for $10,000 for each infraction.

Paxton called the method “insane” and said the organization had surrendered to “radical activists pushing gender warfare” and is “depriving female participants of the opportunity to succeed at the highest levels by letting men win countless events.”

United States Masters Swimming did not respond to requests for comment. After public anger and Paxton's May probe, the organization quietly modified its policy in June. The updated rule allows transgender athletes to compete in gender-appropriate events but not receive rankings or trophies.

Paxton claimed the fix was “too little, too late.”

“This half-measure does not undo the damage already done nor does it fully address the underlying deception,” the lawsuit says.

Paxton sued sports groups for transgender inclusivity. He sued the NCAA in late 2024 for misrepresenting trans players to students and fans. Texas prohibited transgender athletes from joining sex-based college sports teams in 2023.

The lawsuit has rekindled debate over transgender sports and state attorneys general's consumer protection authority.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threatened U.S. Masters Swimming with legal action this week for breaking inclusion standards and discrimination and nuisance laws.

The NCAA and Olympic programs do not govern U.S. Masters Swimming, but its events draw thousands of adult swimmers and are competitive in age-group athletics.

Legally targeting trans athletes marginalizes a vulnerable minority, argue transgender advocates. Civil rights advocates worry it will limit LGBTQ+ participation in sports and leisure.

Legal experts say Paxton's use of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which covers consumer fraud like misleading advertising and predatory lending, is rare but becoming more common in Republican-led states with LGBTQ+ rights.

“The suit’s logic is legally shaky, but it is politically potent,” said Human Rights Campaign legal director Sarah Warbelow. “Sending a message, not necessarily winning court.”

The court date is unknown. This lawsuit may determine how far state officials can regulate private athletic group gender regulations.