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

Ric Bucher suggests Enes Kanter targets WNBA to protest NBA business

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 5:49 AM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Ric Bucher suggests Enes Kanter targets WNBA to protest NBA business

Summary

NBA analyst Ric Bucher claims former player Enes Kanter is targeting the WNBA to criticize the NBA. Enes Kanter, who has become involved in the ongoing debate regarding trans athletes in the league, previously held a career in the NBA that ended at age 29. Bucher alleges that team owners blackballed Enes Kanter following his public criticism of the NBA's business relationships with China. Because the NBA holds a 42 percent ownership stake in the WNBA, the analyst suggests this involvement provides a platform for Enes Kanter to challenge the league's leadership. While Enes Kanter maintains his actions are based on personal belief, the theory posits that the former player is specifically exploiting an NBA weak spot. No official confirmation exists regarding these motivations.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Ric Bucher claims the NBA blackballed Enes Kanter for criticizing its business ties to China.
•The NBA maintains a 42 percent ownership interest in the WNBA.
•Enes Kanter is currently vocal regarding the WNBA's policies on trans athletes.
•The former player spent his career in the NBA until age 29.

Latest Updates

5:49 AMYahoo Sports — NBA insider suggests real ‘China’ reason Enes Kanter is targeting the WNBA

What they're saying

"
With Enes Kanter continuing his crusade against the WNBA, Ric Bucher has shared the ‘real reason’ why the former NBA star is on the warpath. Enes Kanter has become a household name within the WNBA for his involvement in the trans athlete debate raging on around the league.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

WNBA Basketball