The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is facing a question about its women-only rule after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declared plans to pursue the 2027 WNBA Draft. The league has not publicly ruled either man eligible or ineligible, leaving unanswered whether a biological male who identifies as a woman satisfies its women-only rule.

Eligibility Discussion

Team presidents and general managers discussed “transgender” athlete eligibility on August 12 but did not reach a decision. The league paired the eligibility discussion with what it called continued online “hate and vitriol” directed at players. The league stated, “There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”

The 409-page collective bargaining agreement states: “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” However, it does not define “women” or mention “transgender” athletes or gender identity. The WNBA also has no publicly available policy governing the eligibility of athletes who identify as “transgender” or intersex.

Player Reactions

WNBA players have expressed different opinions on the issue. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham argued that girls should not have to compete against biological males, while Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said she would welcome an athlete who identifies as “transgender” as a teammate or opponent.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.