Brief
WNBA commissioner says Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible as they are men
Engelbert’s letter to Republican lawmakers defines eligibility by stating only women may play in the league.
By Felo News Desk · Published
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded to a request from Republican lawmakers for a definition of the league’s eligibility rules, writing that only women are eligible to play and that the two individuals cited – former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White – are "both men." The letter, dated Oct. 16, was provided to OutKick by the America First Policy Institute, which represents Freedom.
Indiana House Representative Marlin Stutzman and other Republicans had asked the league to define "a woman" after the WNBA announced that Freedom and White were ineligible to declare for the 2027 draft. Stutzman said Engelbert’s response was "the first step in defining what a woman is for the sports community" and added that labeling the two as men acknowledges that gender identity does not change basic biology.
Freedom reacted on X, calling the league’s stance contradictory. He wrote, "WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has declared that I am a man. Who gave her the authority to decide who I am? Who gets to define my identity?" He also said the WNBA "still can’t define what a WOMAN is" while being "absolutely certain they know what a MAN is. How convenient!" Freedom told OutKick he felt "100 percent" misgendered by Engelbert.
The controversy follows earlier debate sparked by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who said trans women should not play in the league. The issue has generated protests by fans at games and extensive online discussion, with data from GUDEA showing a small group of accounts driving most of the chatter.
Key facts
- WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert wrote that only women are eligible to play in the league and that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are both men. (nypost.com)
- The letter to lawmakers was dated Oct. 16 and was provided to OutKick by the America First Policy Institute. (nypost.com)
- Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman said Engelbert’s response was the first step in defining what a woman is for the sports community. (nypost.com)
- Enes Kanter Freedom posted on X that the WNBA’s declaration makes him a man and questioned the league’s authority to define his identity. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “WNBA responds to Congress’ question on how it defines ‘a woman’ as transgender controversy drags on”
