For the second time in the past 24 hours, a former NBA first-round pick has announced they want to compete in the WNBA. No, we're not kidding.
A month ago, Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever spoke to ESPN about transgender inclusion in women's sports. She said she wants to protect young girls from competing against biological men. Those remarks sparked quite the debate within the WNBA community. Some fans sided with Cunningham, while players and coaches have shown their support for the trans community.
On Friday afternoon, former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom entered this debate by claiming he's declaring for the WNBA Draft.
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” Kanter wrote on X. “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA. My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.”
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports.
It turns out Kanter isn't the only former NBA player "declaring" for next year's draft. Former Iowa State star Royce White claims he's transgender and wants to compete in the WNBA.
"I'm transgender. I'm a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I'll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well," White said. "I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything. I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the girls need me to do."
White, the 16th overall pick from the 2012 NBA Draft, only played in three games due to his battle with anxiety. When he was at Iowa State, however, he averaged 13.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Will the WNBA allow them to play?
Before Kanter and White made these controversial announcements online, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association addressed the debate regarding transgender inclusion in women's sports.
"We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion," the union said. In the same statement, it added, "Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns."
While the WNBA supports diversity and inclusion, no one actually expects Kanter and White to suit up for the 2027 season.
