Royce White and Enes Kanter enter 2027 WNBA Draft amid debate
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 5:41 AM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
Former NBA players Royce White and Enes Kanter have declared their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, sparking discussions surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports. Stephen Jackson criticized the idea, labeling those supporting it as ‘idiots’ pursuing gimmicks. Jason Whitlock responded to Jackson’s remarks, implying he was referring to White and calling his actions foolish. White subsequently defended himself, announcing his identification as a transgender individual and expressing confusion over the backlash. The conversations around eligibility rules in the WNBA are expected to intensify with these announcements leading up to the 2027 season.
- •Royce White and Enes Kanter aim for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
- •Stephen Jackson criticized the notion of men in women's sports.
- •Jason Whitlock suggested Jackson was targeting White in his comments.
- •White identified as transgender and expressed confusion over criticism.
- •The debate will likely impact discussions on WNBA eligibility rules.
- 5:41 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Anytime, Anyplace!’ — Ex-NBA Player Fires Back at Jason Whitlock After Being Called ‘Foolish’ for WNBA Transgender Stunt
"Jason Whitlock has weighed in on the WNBA’s ongoing transgender-athlete debate after former NBA players Royce White and Enes Kanter announced their intent to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. The “Fearless” host discussed the issue on Monday while responding to a video posted by 2003 NBA champion Stephen Jackson, who criticized unnamed men who have expressed interest in competing in the WNBA.
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