The WNBA has ruled former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
Kanter Freedom and White announced their plans to enter the draft several weeks ago. Both men also said they identified as women when they made their declarations.
A person familiar with the league’s decision confirmed the development to media outlets. The person spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue.
The decision keeps the WNBA aligned with its current collective bargaining agreement, which limits participation in the league to women.
However, the wording of the league’s rules could still attract further discussion. It remains unclear whether officials will change the language surrounding sex and gender identity.
Kanter Freedom clashes with Cloud
The WNBA decision followed an incident involving Kanter Freedom during the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky game on Sunday.
The 6-foot-10 former NBA center and forward spent more than 10 seasons playing professional men’s basketball.
Kanter Freedom sat near the baseline during the game. He wore a black shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”
The incident began after Sky guard Natasha Cloud scored. The Fever called a timeout, and Cloud celebrated with teammate Aicha Coulibaly.
Cloud then turned toward Kanter Freedom and approached him. She yelled and pointed in his direction.
Kanter Freedom responded by holding his arms out. He also stepped onto the court.
Security personnel and several Sky players quickly moved between the two.
Officials then ejected Kanter Freedom from the game. The confrontation added further attention to the debate surrounding his proposed WNBA career.
Controversy regarding transgender athletes continues
The situation comes amid an ongoing debate about transgender participation in women’s sports.
Royce White played three games in the NBA during the 2013-14 season with the Sacramento Kings.
The former NBA player later joined Kanter Freedom in announcing plans to enter the WNBA Draft.
The issue has also drawn comments from current WNBA players.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said in an ESPN profile published last month that she opposed transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
Her comments added to an already heated discussion around gender identity and eligibility in women’s basketball.
The WNBA’s decision on Kanter Freedom and White now provides a clearer position on their proposed entry into the league.
For now, both former NBA players will remain outside the WNBA as the wider debate over transgender participation in professional sports continues.
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