The transgender controversy surrounding the WNBA continues to spiral as Enes Kanter revealed he was in contact with multiple male basketball stars who wanted to ‘declare for the WNBA Draft.’ The controversy began when Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stated that the WNBA should not allow biological men to take part in the league.
Kanter had initially claimed that he would love to declare for the draft, with as many as eight former NBA and G League stars reportedly considering declaring for the 2027 WNBA draft. The claim has led to a range of fans chipping in on social media, with most supporting Kanter’s ‘movement.’
WNBA Fans React As Enes Kanter Calls on Male Stars To ‘Declare as Women’
Kanter initially posted an urgent message on X, claiming that he had spoken to multiple male basketball stars who are all willing to join the movement if the WNBA refuses to change the rules.
The former Boston Celtics star claimed that he had spoken to several players including two former NBA stars, three G League players, and three European stars who are all willing to identify as women and declare for the upcoming WNBA Draft.
And well, fans appear to be in support of Kanter’s mission, with one social media user encouraging the 34-year-old to live upto his word.
“Please, please, please go through with this! This will go down in history books.”
Please, please, please go through with this!
This will go down in history books. pic.twitter.com/5A12Bjd8mS— American™ 🇺🇲 (@HCTiller) August 18, 2026
While the league’s new and old Collective Bargaining Agreements suggest that only women are allowed to play, there is no explicit definition of “women” in the form of specific biological guidelines. Another fan found the situation humorous, claiming that the controversy has spiraled since Cunningham’s initial comments:
“This is so comedy, literally went from not wanting trans non the league to hoping Enes Kanter makes the WNBA, it’s actually funny.”
This is so comedy 😂😂😂 yal literally went from not wanting trans non the league to hoping Enes Kanter makes the WNBA 😂😂😂 it’s actually funny
— PROP CARTEL (@SlipHustle) August 18, 2026
In his post, Kanter revealed that while G League stars get paid around $45,000 per year, the top stars in the WNBA earn close to $1.4 million, which is bound to encourage biological men to declare for the league. Another fan hilariously suggested that the WNBA should continue upholding the rules:
“This is beyond crazy. But I guess rules are rules.”
This is beyond crazy. But I guess rules are rules
— Popeye (@PopeyeDad99) August 18, 2026
One fan, meanwhile, commended Kanter’s initiative, claiming that WNBA stars should follow suit and stand up to the league.
“Come on ladies. Please stand up to this madness for nothing other than your own self-interest. It has been long enough.”
If only the women were standing up for this. Ffs. They all shit on men and toxic masculinity but it is THIS MAN who is going to bring this insanity to an end. Come on ladies. Please stand up to this madness for nothing other than your own self interest. It has been long enough
— Jeff Major (@JMajordevco) August 18, 2026
Another user claimed that Kanter was effectively protecting the league and lauded his efforts.
“And deservedly so. If they won’t protect women’s sports, it’s up to the men in the room to help do it.”
And deservedly so.
If they won’t protect women’s sports, it’s up to the men in the room to help do it.
— C R Hume (@cr_hume) August 18, 2026
Needless to say, with the WNBA refusing to address the situation despite the constant backlash, Kanter may as well end up forcing the league’s hands. For now, though, it remains to be seen whether any male biological player will indeed end up declaring for the 2027 draft.
