WNBA Commissioner Labels Kanter Freedom and White as ‘Men’
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responds to congressional inquiry on eligibility of Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White.
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Cathy Engelbert, commissioner of the WNBA, addressed a congressional inquiry by stating that ex-NBA stars Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are not eligible to compete in the league because they are ‘both men.’ Engelbert’s comments came in response to a letter from Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, who questioned the WNBA’s definition of ‘women’ under its collective bargaining agreement.
Engelbert’s response, dated October 16, stated, ‘Only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men.’ The letter from lawmakers was dated September 17 and sought clarification on eligibility, safety for players, and fan confrontations.
Both Freedom and White have publicly identified as women and announced their intent to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. The lawmakers questioned the WNBA’s definition of ‘women’ under Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the league’s collective bargaining agreement. The provision states, ‘Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,’ but it does not define the term.
Stutzman welcomed Engelbert’s statement as an acknowledgment of a biological sex distinction. ‘The WNBA has just taken the first step in defining what a woman is for the sports community,’ he said in a statement. ‘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.’
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), representing Freedom, provided the letter to OutKick. The lawmakers sought clarity on the league’s stance, which Engelbert addressed by reaffirming the eligibility criteria based on biological sex.
🚨 OUTKICK EXCLUSIVE: The WNBA suddenly knows what a woman is? @EnesFreedom announces in an interview with @JackThompsonFOX that the WNBA sent a letter yesterday declaring him and @Highway_30 ineligible for the WNBA Draft because both are men. https://t.co/oqtRm1OXBj
Source: Daily Caller
