The WNBA has ruled former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft after both announced plans to enter the league, a potential major step to block biological men from competing in women’s basketball.
Kanter Freedom and White challenged the league’s eligibility rules, arguing that the WNBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement does not clearly define who qualifies to play. Their declaration came as league voices openly pushed for transgender athletes to join the league.
The WNBA reportedly rejected their eligibility, with Front Office Sports sources dismissing their declarations as “publicity stunts” and saying the league would not provide a platform for efforts it viewed as mocking or demeaning others. Yet the league has not publicly explained the specific criteria behind its decision, leaving questions about the eligibility process at the center of the controversy.
The issue gained national attention after WNBA star Sophie Cunningham spoke about protecting women in women’s sports and warned about fairness and competition if biological men are allowed to play. Cunningham said she faced criticism for her views but maintained her stance was about safeguarding female athletes.
Earlier, Kanter Freedom warned that eight more male professional players are considering entering the 2027 draft as women if the league does not change its rules and prohibit biological men.
The league’s current collective bargaining agreement says only women are eligible to play in the WNBA, but it does not specifically bar transgender women or establish a separate eligibility standard for transgender players.
