Former NBA players Kanter Freedom, White not eligible for WNBA, sources say

Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, two former NBA players, are not eligible to play in the WNBA, according to league sources. Both men have declared their intention to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, stating they identify as women. The league views these declarations as "simply publicity stunts" and refuses to provide attention to efforts that aim to ridicule the league or demean others.

The WNBA, whose eligibility rules have been collectively bargained, does not have any immediate eligibility matters to address. The league will continue to discuss the topic but will not allow external pressure or fabricated controversy to influence its operations. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement includes a clause in Article XIII Section 1 (a) stating that only women are eligible to play in the WNBA.

No language regarding gender identity or gender assigned at birth is included. On Sunday, Freedom was involved in a verbal altercation with Indiana Fever guard Natasha Cloud during a game in Chicago. After the incident, Freedom was removed from the arena by security. Freedom's 34-year-old age, coupled with his actions, raises questions about his eligibility to return to WNBA arenas.