Stutzman Demands WNBA Define 'Woman' by Oct. 16 After 2 Draft Bans
Updated
Updated · Them · Sep 18
Stutzman Demands WNBA Define 'Woman' by Oct. 16 After 2 Draft Bans
2 articles · Updated · Them · Sep 18
Summary
Oct. 16 is the deadline Rep. Marlin Stutzman and four other Republicans gave outgoing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to explain how the league defines "women" in its eligibility rules.
The letter argues the WNBA already recognizes a biological distinction because it ruled Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 draft in late August after both said on Aug. 7 they would register as women.
Four questions in the letter also press the league on player safety and fan conduct, citing a flagrant foul involving Sophie Cunningham on Aug. 8 and Freedom's Aug. 23 confrontation with Natasha Cloud that ended with his ejection.
Engelbert, who said on Sept. 4 she will leave at the end of 2026, faces the demand as scrutiny grows despite no trans woman ever appearing on a WNBA roster or currently seeking entry to the 2027 draft.