WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to play in the league because they are men, reigniting a controversial debate over gender eligibility in women’s sports.
In an Oct. 16 letter responding to Republican lawmakers, Engelbert wrote that “only women are eligible to play in the WNBA” and that Freedom and White are “both men.” However, she did not provide a specific definition of “women,” which lawmakers had requested.
Freedom and White previously announced plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft while identifying as women, prompting questions about how the league determines eligibility. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that only women can play, but does not further define the term.
“The WNBA has just taken the first step in defining what a woman is for the sports community,” Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman said in a statement. “By clearly labeling Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White as men, they have acknowledged that identifying as a woman does not change basic human biology.”
Rep. Stutzman and four other House Republicans also questioned the league’s handling of player safety and confrontations between players and fans. Their concerns include physical plays during games and incidents involving spectators.
The controversy follows comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who said female athletes should not have to compete against biological men in sports.
The lawmakers argue the league needs clear, consistently enforced rules on eligibility, player conduct and safety. The issue places the WNBA at the center of a broader national debate over transgender inclusion, competitive fairness and protections in women’s sports.
1 comment
How does the league know if they are men or women? They have no legal definition in their league rules or bylaws. They will get sued and a judge will find for the Former NBA Players.
As constituted the wnba is a thug league run by roid rager players like Wilson and several other players.
SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM for wnba COMMISSIONER.