The WNBA has reportedly determined that former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft after both publicly said they wanted to play in the league amid renewed debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Front Office Sports reported that league sources said Freedom and White are ineligible to play in the WNBA. The comments from the two former NBA players appeared to be made jokingly as part of the broader political and cultural debate surrounding eligibility rules in women’s athletics.
The issue gained attention after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke against transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports in comments published by ESPN. Freedom and White subsequently said they identified as women and suggested they should be allowed to pursue WNBA opportunities.
“Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible to play in the WNBA, league sources tell Front Office Sports,” reporter Colin Salao wrote.
Neither Freedom nor White has played professional women’s basketball. Both previously competed in the NBA, and their statements appeared intended to challenge or criticize policies that permit some transgender women to compete in women’s sports.
The WNBA’s reported decision does not represent a change allowing former NBA players to enter the league simply by declaring a different gender identity. Eligibility for professional leagues is governed by league rules, collective bargaining provisions, and other competition requirements.
The episode comes as sports organizations across the United States continue to debate how transgender participation policies should balance inclusion, competitive fairness, and eligibility standards. Rules vary considerably among professional leagues, collegiate organizations, international federations, and state athletic associations.
Freedom has become an outspoken political activist since his NBA career, frequently commenting on human rights and U.S. political issues. White, a former first-round NBA draft pick, has also become active in politics and public commentary.
The WNBA has not announced that either player will participate in the 2027 draft, and the reported ruling effectively closes the possibility raised by their public remarks.
