League officials told CNN that former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible to enter the 2027 WNBA draft. Both men announced last month that they now identify as women and expressed a desire to join the professional women’s basketball league.
League’s Position
According to sources close to the WNBA, the draft declarations are being treated as publicity stunts rather than legitimate applications. The league said there are no current eligibility matters that require a formal response and that it will address broader gender‑eligibility policies “thoughtfully” with players, teams and the players’ union.
Recent Incident Highlights Tension
Freedom’s recent appearance at a Chicago game added fuel to the debate. While seated courtside at Wintrust Arena during the Indiana Fever‑Chicago Sky matchup, he wore a shirt defining a woman and engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. After the game, Freedom posted on X, “It’s always women hating on other women,” underscoring the personal nature of the controversy.
The league has not announced any disciplinary action or a potential game ban for Freedom, and no formal ruling has been made public.
Context of the National Conversation
The situation arrives amid a broader national discussion about gender eligibility in women’s sports. While the WNBA has not yet seen a transgender woman compete, other sports leagues are grappling with similar questions. The league’s spokesperson emphasized that outside pressure or manufactured controversy will not dictate internal processes.
What This Means for the Draft
For now, the WNBA’s stance means that Freedom and White will not be considered in the upcoming draft. The league’s focus remains on developing policies that respect the integrity of women’s competition while navigating constitutional considerations and the rights of all athletes.
Looking Ahead
Both former NBA players have indicated they will continue to advocate for their positions, and the WNBA says it will keep dialogue open with stakeholders. As the debate evolves, the league’s approach may set precedents for how professional women’s sports handle gender identity issues in the future.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
