Former NBA players not eligible for WNBA, sources say

Former NBA Players Not Eligible for WNBA Draft, League Sources Confirm

Goldlaner.com – Former NBA players not eligible to compete in the WNBA, according to multiple sources inside the league who spoke to CNN on Monday. Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, both of whom announced last month that they now identify as women, will not be permitted to enter the upcoming 2027 WNBA draft. ESPN broke the story first, and league insiders described the draft declarations as publicity stunts rather than genuine eligibility filings. The news lands amid an ongoing national debate over gender eligibility rules and transgender inclusion in women’s professional sports.

According to the sources, no transgender women have yet played in the WNBA, and the league views the two draft entries as calculated moves designed to mock the organization, sow division among fans, and force a public response. The sources emphasized that there are no legitimate or immediate eligibility matters requiring action by the WNBA at this time. In other words, the question of whether former NBA players not eligible for the draft is being settled before any formal petition reaches the league’s front office.

League Response and Broader Policy Discussion

The WNBA has stated it intends to approach the broader topic of gender eligibility “thoughtfully” alongside its primary stakeholders, including current players, franchise owners, and the players’ union. The league made clear it would not allow “outside pressure or manufactured controversy to dictate” its internal processes or compel a rushed response to what it characterized as efforts intended to demean others. This measured posture signals that any future rulemaking will proceed through established governance channels rather than reactive public statements.

The controversy gained additional visibility on Sunday, when Freedom was ejected from a game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. During the third quarter of an Indiana Fever versus Chicago Sky contest, Freedom—seated along the baseline wearing a shirt bearing the dictionary definition of a woman—entered a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The incident drew widespread attention on social media and amplified the already-heated discussion surrounding former NBA players not eligible for women’s professional basketball.

“It’s always women hating on other women,” Freedom posted on X following the ejection.

As of Monday, no formal announcement or disciplinary ruling regarding a potential game ban for Freedom had been issued by the league. The WNBA declined to comment further beyond its earlier statement about handling the topic through internal stakeholder processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the former NBA players not eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft? Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, both of whom previously played in the NBA, announced last month that they identify as women and expressed intent to enter the 2027 WNBA draft. League sources confirmed they are not eligible to participate.

Has the WNBA changed its eligibility rules? No. The league has not announced any new eligibility policy. It said it will address the broader question “thoughtfully” with players, teams, and the union, and will not let outside pressure force an immediate decision.

What happened at the Chicago game? Freedom was ejected during the third quarter of an Indiana Fever–Chicago Sky game at Wintrust Arena after a verbal confrontation with guard Natasha Cloud. No formal disciplinary ruling has been issued as of the latest reporting.

When was this first reported? ESPN broke the story, and CNN confirmed it on Monday with multiple league sources. Both men made their draft intentions public the previous month.