WNBA Says Former NBA Stars Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White Are Ineligible After They Announce They ‘Identify as Women’ and Enter Draft

The WNBA has ruled former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the league’s draft or participation after they announced they identify as women. The league reportedly dismissed these declarations as publicity stunts aimed at mocking the WNBA and demeaning others. The collective bargaining agreement, which only specifies eligibility for women, was challenged by the players’ self-identification.

• WNBA declared former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the league’s draft.
• Freedom and White announced they identify as women and declared for the 2027 WNBA draft.
• The WNBA reportedly views their actions as publicity stunts to mock the league.
• The league stated it would not allow manufactured controversy to dictate its processes.
• The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement specifies only women are eligible, without defining sex or gender identity.
• Kanter Freedom was previously seen at a game wearing a shirt questioning the definition of ‘woman’ and had a verbal exchange with a player.