Former NBA players ineligible for WNBA draft, sources say

Two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, have been deemed ineligible for the 2027 WNBA draft, according to league sources. Both players had announced their intention to enter the draft, claiming to be transgender women. Sources described their actions as an attempt to sow division within the WNBA and attract attention during a period of intense national debate over transgender athletes' participation in women's sports.

The WNBA currently lacks a specific, publicly available policy on transgender participation and is reportedly in ongoing discussions with stakeholders regarding the issue. The controversy gained traction following comments made by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who stated in an ESPN interview that she wants to protect young girls in sports from competing against "biological men." Cunningham's remarks sparked a divided reaction among fans, with some supporting her stance and others criticizing it.

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I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men.

The WNBPA, the league's players' union, issued a statement emphasizing that they would not be utilized as "political pawns." The union condemned hate speech and the demonization of any group, including transgender people, stating it fuels fear and division. Meanwhile, Kanter Freedom reported being ejected from a game after a verbal altercation with Natasha Cloud, a player for the Chicago Sky.

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Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm.