League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Larry Sanders declares for WNBA draft amid controversy over eligibility rules

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 11:40 AM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Larry Sanders declares for WNBA draft amid controversy over eligibility rules

Summary

Larry Sanders has declared for the WNBA draft, claiming he identifies as a woman during gameplay. This announcement comes in the wake of former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White also entering the draft, raising questions about the WNBA's eligibility guidelines. Sanders, citing the league's current rules, emphasizes he will be a woman while playing. The WNBA is addressing this ongoing debate, which has sparked differing opinions among players, including pushback from Ty Lawson, who stated that Sanders does not identify as a woman. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has noted that discussions are taking place among team leadership regarding this issue.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Larry Sanders declares for the WNBA draft, claiming to be a woman while playing
•Enes Kanter and Royce White also announced intentions to enter the draft
•Ty Lawson contests Sanders' claims of identifying as a woman
•WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is convening team executives to address concerns
•The issue has polarized opinions among players and triggered public debate

Latest Updates

11:40 AMYahoo Sports — “He Doesn’t Identify as a Woman”: Ex-NBA Star Larry Sanders Draws Blunt Response After WNBA Draft Declaration

What they're saying

"
The WNBA draft conversation just got another surprising name. After former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White declared, former first-round NBA player Larry Sanders has now made his own announcement.
— Yahoo Sports

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