Caitlyn Jenner has indicated she may enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, stating her intention is to challenge the league's eligibility rules concerning transgender athletes. Jenner shared this possibility during a conversation on the podcast "Planet Tyrus," where she spoke with host Tyrus about women's sports and the ongoing debate surrounding transgender participation.
Jenner mentioned that she had discussed the issue with former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who has been a vocal critic of the WNBA's stance. "Enes and I have talked on the phone quite a few times, and I even told him one time — this is a couple of weeks ago — ‘Enes, I’m like a real trans person. Maybe I should sign up for the 2027 WNBA draft,’" Jenner stated.
This statement comes as Kanter Freedom has been advocating for a "peace summit" with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's task force to discuss the controversy. Freedom posted on X, formerly Twitter, about Jenner's potential involvement, suggesting she could moderate such a meeting.
Jenner has previously voiced support for policies that restrict transgender women from competing in women's sports, citing biological differences. She has stated that biological sex should determine eligibility, with a simplified view of "XX, you're in. XY, you're out." Jenner also recalled being drafted by the NBA's Kansas City Kings in the 1970s, though her athletic focus at the time was the decathlon, not basketball.
Kanter Freedom's recent public exchanges, including an incident with Chicago Sky guard Sophie Cunningham, have drawn attention to the WNBA's ongoing discussions on the matter. The WNBA has formed a task force to deliberate on eligibility concerns but has yet to reach a definitive conclusion or public statement on the matter.