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WNBA rejects Enes Kanter's draft eligibility amid political controversy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 5:09 AM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

WNBA rejects Enes Kanter's draft eligibility amid political controversy

Summary

The WNBA has officially rejected Enes Kanter Freedom's request to enter the 2027 draft, stating his ineligibility due to being a biological male. This decision has sparked backlash, particularly from Republican politician Mark Harris, who criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for the league's ambiguous stance on gender definitions in competition. Harris contends that the lack of a clear standard contributes to confusion regarding participation guidelines. Engelbert faces increasing scrutiny as her tenure nears its end amid ongoing debates around transgender athletes in women's sports.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•WNBA denies Enes Kanter Freedom's eligibility for the 2027 draft.
•Mark Harris criticizes Cathy Engelbert over gender definition issues.
•The decision is part of broader discussions on transgender athletes in women's sports.
•Kanter's involvement sparked significant public debate and controversy.

Latest Updates

5:09 AMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump party member reminds Cathy Engelbert of ‘common sense’ after WNBA rejects Enes Kanter

What they're saying

"
The WNBA’s final decision on Enes Kanter has led to one Republican Party member taking a shot at Cathy Engelbert. Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom’s dream of playing in the WNBA has been shattered after the league officially rejected his request to enter the 2027 draft.
— Yahoo Sports

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