WNBA Rejects Ex-NBA Players' Draft Bids, Citing 'Publicity Stunt'

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has reportedly turned away draft applications from two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who publicly declared themselves as women to be eligible for the draft.

Sources cited by Front Office Sports indicate that the WNBA views these applications as a "publicity stunt" and not a serious bid to compete. The league is said to be unwilling to support actions perceived as satirical or demeaning. While the WNBA plans to continue discussions on transgender issues, it aims to prevent external pressure or manufactured controversies from dictating its operational decisions.

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The league believes Kanter and White's applications are purely to generate buzz. The league will not support these kinds of satirical, demeaning behaviors.

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement specifies that only women are permitted to play. However, the agreement lacks a clear definition of 'woman,' which has fueled the ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes. Both Kanter Freedom and White have publicly identified as women, thus meeting the current criteria for draft eligibility.

An anonymous WNBA source confirmed the rejection of the applications but did not provide specific reasons. The league's stance suggests a desire to maintain the integrity of women's sports while navigating the complexities of gender identity and inclusion.

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The WNBA will continue to discuss the transgender issue, but it will not allow external pressure or man-made controversies to dictate the league's operations.