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

WNBA states men cannot join league after Kanter Freedom, White apply

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 7:17 PM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

WNBA states men cannot join league after Kanter Freedom, White apply

Summary

The WNBA has informed Congress that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to enter the league. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that both are men and thus do not qualify under the league's eligibility rules. This decision follows their public announcement of plans to join the 2027 WNBA Draft, aimed at raising awareness on transgender athlete policies. Engelbert refrained from clarifying the definition of 'women' in the league's collective bargaining agreement, despite inquiries from Republican lawmakers.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Kanter Freedom and White are deemed ineligible to play in the WNBA.
•Engelbert stated both individuals are recognized as men by the league.
•The two players announced their intention to join the 2027 WNBA Draft.
•Congressional lawmakers sought clarity on the league's definition of 'women'.
•No new eligibility rules or broader policies on transgender athletes were announced.

Latest Updates

7:17 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA announces decision on men trying to join league

What they're saying

"
Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White – both of whom are men – have spent months trying to make a point about transgender athletes by announcing plans to enter the WNBA Draft. Now, the league has made it clear to Congress that neither of them will be eligible to join the WNBA.…
— Yahoo Sports

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