Enes Kanter Freedom has declared himself a prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying the league’s rules on identity and inclusion allow him to do so. Soon after, former NBA player Royce White announced that he also plans to enter the draft and said he identifies as transgender. Their statements have brought new attention to the WNBA’s eligibility rules, especially what the league’s current rules actually say about who can enter the draft.
Enes Kanter Freedom declares for the 2027 WNBA Draft
Enes Kanter Freedom shared a video on X while wearing a WNBA hoodie. He said he had reviewed the league’s eligibility rules with his team before making the announcement.“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” Enes Kanter Freedom said.He added, “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”Enes Kanter Freedom also said his team had looked at the WNBA’s rules on self-identification and inclusion. He stressed that he was not trying to mock or disrespect anyone. Instead, he said he wanted the rules to be applied equally.The former NBA center played for the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics during his NBA career before retiring in 2022.
Royce White follows Enes Kanter Freedom into the 2027 WNBA Draft
Royce White soon made a similar announcement. The former Houston Rockets first-round pick, selected No. 16 overall in 2012, said he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft and identifies as transgender for professional basketball.Royce White said he wants the WNBA to clearly explain its position on transgender athletes. He also said he expects to be treated fairly if he seeks entry into the league. His announcement came shortly after Enes Kanter Freedom’s post, linking the two statements directly.
What the WNBA rules say about eligibility
The current WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement does not say that self-identification by itself makes a player eligible. Article XIII states, “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”The same section also lists separate draft requirements, including age and college-related conditions. The public CBA does not provide a detailed transgender eligibility process or say that declaring an identity alone is enough to qualify for the draft.That makes the key issue less about whether Enes Kanter Freedom or Royce White can simply declare for the draft and more about how the WNBA would apply its eligibility rules to either player.The debate follows recent comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham about transgender athletes in women’s sports. The WNBPA later said it supports “justice, equity, diversity and inclusion” and added that it would not be used as “political pawns.”