Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White WNBA eligibility has become a major controversy after league sources ruled both former NBA players ineligible. The decision follows their recent declarations that they intended to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft amid debates surrounding transgender participation.
League sources described their attempts as “simply publicity stunts,” while emphasizing that outside pressure would not dictate WNBA processes. Kanter Freedom had previously announced his intention to pursue WNBA eligibility, arguing that current league rules supported his position.
Royce White later made a similar declaration, saying he identified as transgender and planned to pursue the 2027 draft. However, multiple reports indicate that neither former NBA player currently meets the requirements necessary for participation in the league.
The WNBA has not publicly detailed the specific eligibility criteria that led to the reported decision involving both former players. Meanwhile, the controversy has intensified alongside broader American debates about transgender athletes competing in women’s professional sports leagues nationwide.
Kanter Freedom recently attended a WNBA game between Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky before security removed him following an altercation. During that incident, he wore a shirt defining women as adult human females while exchanging heated words with Natasha Cloud.
The WNBPA has separately condemned hate and efforts to politicize transgender issues, urging fans to support players respectfully throughout games.
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