National basketball officials confirmed that former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White will not be permitted to enter the 2027 WNBA draft. Both athletes announced last month that they now identify as women and expressed a desire to compete at the professional women’s level. Sources within the WNBA, speaking to CNN, said the league has no eligibility pathway for the two former men’s‑league players and dismissed their draft declarations as publicity stunts intended to provoke controversy.
League response and eligibility rules
The WNBA spokesperson emphasized that the organization is reviewing broader gender‑eligibility policies in consultation with players, team owners, and the players’ union. While the league said it will approach the issue “thoughtfully,” it also stressed that it will not allow outside pressure or manufactured controversy to dictate its internal processes. At present, there are no immediate eligibility matters that require action, according to the sources.
Recent incident at a Chicago game
Complicating the situation, Freedom was ejected from a game on Sunday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. During the third quarter of a matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Freedom, seated along the baseline wearing a shirt defining a woman, engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. After the incident, Freedom posted on X, stating, “It’s always women hating on other women.” No formal disciplinary ruling or potential game ban has been announced by the league.
Context of the national conversation
The announcements by Freedom and White arrive amid an ongoing national debate over transgender inclusion in women’s sports. While several states have introduced legislation addressing eligibility criteria for transgender athletes, the WNBA has not yet faced a case of a transgender woman competing in its ranks. The league’s current stance reflects a cautious approach, awaiting clearer guidance on how to balance inclusion with competitive fairness.
What this means for the athletes
Both former NBA players remain active public figures. Freedom, a vocal advocate for human rights and free speech, has previously faced controversy for his outspoken political views. Royce White, known for his advocacy on mental‑health issues, has also been a frequent commentator on sports and social topics. Their recent gender‑identity announcements have drawn significant media attention, but according to league insiders, the WNBA’s eligibility rules do not currently accommodate former male professional players seeking to join the women’s league.
Looking ahead
The WNBA has indicated that it will continue discussions with stakeholders to develop clear policies. Until such policies are formalized, the league maintains that any draft declaration from individuals who have not met existing eligibility criteria will not be accepted. Fans and observers will be watching closely as the conversation evolves, particularly as other sports organizations grapple with similar questions about transgender participation.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
