WNBA Bars 2 Former NBA Players From 2027 Draft as League Calls Bid a Publicity Stunt
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 24
WNBA Bars 2 Former NBA Players From 2027 Draft as League Calls Bid a Publicity Stunt
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 24
Summary
League sources told CNN that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible to play in the WNBA, shutting down their stated plans to enter the 2027 draft.
Both former NBA players said last month that they identify as women, but sources said their declarations were not legitimate eligibility cases and were meant to mock the league and inflame debate over transgender inclusion.
The WNBA said it would handle the broader policy issue "thoughtfully" with players, teams and the union, and would not let outside pressure or manufactured controversy force its process.
Freedom drew fresh attention Sunday after a courtside confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud at Wintrust Arena led to his ejection; no game ban has been announced.