WNBA Declares Only Women Eligible to Play, Responding to Congressional Inquiry

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has formally responded to a congressional inquiry regarding the league's eligibility criteria, stating definitively that only women are permitted to play in the WNBA. In a letter dated October 16, Engelbert informed Republican lawmakers that former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to declare for the 2027 draft because they are both men.

The league's response was prompted by a letter from Indiana House Representative Marlin Stutzman and other Republicans, who requested the WNBA define its eligibility rules and clarify its definition of "a woman." Freedom and White had attempted to enter the WNBA draft while identifying as women.

Stutzman viewed Engelbert's response as a crucial step, stating, "By clearly labeling Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White as men they have acknowledged that identifying as a woman does not change basic human biology."

Freedom, however, publicly criticized the WNBA's stance on social media, asserting that the league "still can’t define what a WOMAN is" while being certain about identifying a man. He questioned Engelbert's authority to define his identity and argued that the WNBA's position is contradictory.

"Who gave her the authority to decide who I am? Who gets to define my identity?" Freedom posted on X. "And how can the WNBA determine who is a man without explaining what qualifies someone as a woman? Is the WNBA denying people the right to define their own gender identity? You can’t have it both ways!"

Freedom also told OutKick that he felt he was "misgendered" by Engelbert's statement.

The situation arises amidst ongoing debates surrounding transgender athletes in sports. Earlier in the year, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham ignited discussion when she stated she wanted to "protect young girls" and avoid competing against "biological men." Cunningham's comments, which she has since reiterated, sparked considerable debate among players, coaches, and fans within the WNBA.

This discourse has also led to organized fan protests at games. In response to the growing controversy and what the organization termed being used as "political pawns," the WNBA Players Association released a statement in early August. The union affirmed its commitment to "justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion," while stating that "Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm."