Kanter and White WNBA eligibility: What the league rules say about their 2027 Draft plans
Enes Kanter Freedom has declared himself a prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying the league’s rules on identity and inclusion allow him to do so. Soon after, former NBA player Royce White announced that he also plans to enter the draft and said he identifies as transgender.
He said he had reviewed the league’s eligibility rules with his team before making the announcement. Enes Kanter Freedom also said his team had looked at the WNBA’s rules on self-identification and inclusion. Instead, he said he wanted the rules to be applied equally. Royce White said he wants the WNBA to clearly explain its position on transgender athletes. He also said he expects to be treated fairly if he seeks entry into the league.
Their statements have brought new attention to the WNBA’s eligibility rules, especially what the league’s current rules actually say about who can enter the draft. Enes Kanter Freedom shared a video on X while wearing a WNBA hoodie. He stressed that he was not trying to mock or disrespect anyone. His announcement came shortly after Enes Kanter Freedom’s post, linking the two statements directly. The same section also lists separate draft requirements, including age and college-related conditions. The public CBA does not provide a detailed transgender eligibility process or say that declaring an identity alone is enough to qualify for the draft.