Two former NBA players have publicly declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, in the wake of the league's comments on transgender players.
Several WNBA players have come out in support of transgender athletes, in the wake of Sophie Cunningham's comments. Cunningham has said that she believes transgender athletes have no place in women's sports, adding that it's "common sense." But many in the WNBA disagree.
So, two former NBA players - Enes Kanter and Royce White - have decided to throw their hat in the ring.
"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," Kanter wrote on X.
White added: "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. 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...I think it’s only fair."
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Former NBA star big man Robin Lopez, though, is not happy with White and Kanter.
The former NBA big man put White and Kanter on blast on social media.
Lopez calls out White, Kanter
Lopez made it clear that "no one" wants to be around those two.
"Biggest issue: If you're being drafted, people are saying "we want you around for 4 years" & I can't imagine anybody wants Enes Kanter or Royce White around them for even 4 minutes. We've seen this illustrated whenever Enes is near Turkey or Royce comes close to logic/reality," he wrote.
Lopez has made it very clear where he stands.
