The final stretch of the WNBA’s regular season has been highlighted by off-court discussions rather than on-court play. The role of transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a highly debated topic throughout the league.
A politician recently spoke out on the issue after former NBA player Enes Kanter declared for the WNBA draft.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Backs Enes Kanter To Make WNBA History
Cruz spoke out after Kanter Freedom recently expressed interest in joining the WNBA, comparing him to NBA icon Wilt Chamberlain.
Cruz said on X, “He’s going to break Wilt’s record of 100 points in a single game.”
He’s going to break Wilt’s record of 100 points in a single game. https://t.co/A7EzeLyR7K
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 9, 2026
Kanter Freedom officially declared for next year’s WNBA Draft after reviewing the league’s framework for player eligibility.
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect,” Kanter Freedom posted. “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.”
Cruz joins Kanter Freedom as one of many notable voices speaking out against the idea of transgender athletes participating in women’s sports.
The topic gained substantial momentum after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham shared her belief on trans athletes participating in women’s sports.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is scheduled to discuss the issue in an upcoming meeting.
“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 stated in the memo.
“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,” she continued.
The WNBPA also released a statement recently promoting diversity and inclusion while condemning hate speech and abuse, adding that it will not be used as a political pawn.
Cruz’s comments followed a letter from Congress last month sent to Engelbert asking her to take action regarding the on-court treatment of Caitlin Clark.
The Fever star has been on the receiving end of several hard fouls that the letter suggested may have been racially motivated.
Cunningham, meanwhile, expressed her desire to keep the focus on basketball, a desire her peers likely share. However, Kanter Freedom’s announcement and Cruz’s comments will add even more fuel to the off-court discussions that have seemingly overshadowed the actual on-court product.
