Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for WNBA play

Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are confirmed ineligible to participate in the WNBA after declaring their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, identifying as women. A league source dismissed their declarations as publicity stunts. The WNBA's eligibility rules specify that only female players can compete, while the new collective bargaining agreement lacks language on gender identity. Freedom faced a verbal altercation with Natasha Cloud during a Chicago Sky game, which led to his ejection. It is unclear if he can return to WNBA arenas.

• 7:09 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA rules on Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White draft eligibility
• 6:23 PMYahoo Sports — Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White Not Eligible to Play in WNBA