The WNBA has reportedly deemed former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. However, the league has not publicly explained the criteria used for this decision or provided a definition of "woman" within its collective bargaining agreement (CBA), according to reports.
Unnamed league sources cited by Front Office Sports described the players' declarations for the draft as "publicity stunts" intended to mock or demean the league. These sources indicated that the WNBA would not give "oxygen" to such efforts. Freedom and White have publicly stated their intentions to participate in the WNBA Draft, though it is widely understood that they are not seriously preparing for a professional WNBA career.
The WNBA's CBA stipulates that only players who are women are eligible to play in the league. Reports note that the current CBA does not define "woman" nor does it include specific language regarding "gender identity" or "sex assigned at birth." This lack of definition has become a point of contention, with critics arguing that the WNBA must clarify its eligibility standards.
If the league has determined that Freedom and White do not meet the eligibility requirements, it is being pressed to articulate the standard it applied. Questions remain whether the WNBA bases its definition of "woman" on biological sex, whether self-identification is insufficient, or if distinct criteria are used for transgender individuals. Prospective draft entrants and players are seeking clarity on these potential criteria before the 2027 draft.
OutKick sought to confirm the league's official position, identify the specific criteria used to deem Freedom and White ineligible, obtain a definition of "woman" under Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the CBA, and inquire about whether written guidance would be published prior to the draft. The WNBA did not respond to OutKick's request for comment before publication, relying instead on anonymous sources to convey its stance to Front Office Sports.
This situation has drawn scrutiny regarding the WNBA's communication and transparency, particularly when dealing with issues surrounding eligibility and the definition of its athletes. The league's prior statements indicated no immediate eligibility concerns, but the subsequent anonymous declaration of ineligibility for Freedom and White has prompted demands for a clear explanation of the rules governing participation in the league.
