WNBA task force to convene after former NBA players declare eligibility for women's league
The WNBA is set to discuss its eligibility requirements after two former NBA players declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they are doing so in compliance with the league rules.
On Friday, in a memo first reported by ESPN and The Associated Press, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said a task force of team presidents and general managers will discuss the topic of transgender-identified players at a previously scheduled meeting.
“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women's basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,” the memo reportedly stated. “I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”
It’s unclear whether the memo went out in response to the announcement by former Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter declaring himself as a “WNBA prospect” after reviewing the all-female league’s current eligibility guidelines. A similar announcement was made by former Utah Jazz forward and U.S. Senate nominee Royce White.
Listening sessions will be held for team executives.
"We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead," Engelbert wrote. "We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts."
In an Aug. 7 X post, Kanter, whose legal name is Enes Kanter Freedom, wrote: “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA. My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.”
Kanter, a 34-year-old Turkish American activist who played 11 seasons in the NBA, denied the move was a mere publicity stunt.
“I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices,” he wrote. “I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.”
After suggesting his willingness to pursue legal action to “ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception,” Kanter added, “See you at training camp.”
That same day, former Utah Jazz forward and U.S. Senate nominee White announced his eligibility for the 2027 WNBA draft as a “sometimes identifying transgender woman.”
In an interview Monday with Newsmax, White said he’s received “death threats” following his declaration.
“I can't believe all the hate I've received. That's probably the most shocking thing is the hate that I've received in the first 72 to 100 or so hours of my trans existence, my public trans existence,” he said. “The left is just vicious death threats. You should commit suicide. Your mother should be ashamed. It's absolutely eye opening. The hate that trans people have lived with. It's just a shock that most of it comes from the American political left.”
Officially, the WNBA has had only one player who did not identify as a woman. Layshia Clarendon, a 2017 All-Star, retired from the league in 2024.
Under the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” The CBA does not offer a technical definition of a woman.
The NBA’s own CBA includes a similar clause.
While there’s no official league data on gender identity, at least one-third of all WNBA head coaches are publicly LGBT-identified, according to Outsports.
