Two ex-NBA players have sparked conversations regarding transgender athletes by announcing their intentions to participate in the 2027 WNBA draft. Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White’s declarations have been met with widespread criticism, with one sports columnist denouncing them as political stunts aimed at belittling both the league and its female players while targeting a marginalized community.
The WNBA has been embroiled in controversy following remarks made by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham regarding transgender individuals in sports. Kanter Freedom and White have stated that their plans to join the league are contingent on the existing rules, which allow only women to play but do not explicitly exclude transgender women.
Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player who retired in 2022 after 11 seasons, asserted on Instagram that he meets all the requirements of the WNBA simply by declaring his identity. He emphasized that his intention is not to disrespect any community or personal choices. On the other hand, White, who played just three NBA games and averaged zero points, mentioned in an interview with Fox News that he identifies as a woman for basketball purposes. He highlighted his physical attributes such as fair skin and thick eyelashes as reasons why he believes he would fit into the WNBA and mentioned considering wearing wigs in the future.
The league’s eligibility criteria, as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement, specify that only women are allowed to play without explicitly excluding transgender women. In response to the ongoing discussions and online vitriol directed at players, a WNBA spokesperson mentioned that there are no immediate eligibility concerns affecting the league and condemned any attempts to use these discussions to marginalize others.
The broader context includes a trend where right-wing figures are using women’s sports to promote anti-trans narratives, leading to tangible consequences in policies and organizations. Recent actions by political leaders, such as former U.S. President Trump’s executive order and the NCAA’s restrictions on transgender athletes, have impacted the inclusion of transgender individuals in sports. These developments have raised questions about creating inclusive and safe environments for all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.