The final stretch of the WNBA regular season continues to be overshadowed by off-court stories instead of playoff positioning. Former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White have become two of the most discussed figures in women’s sports while publicly promoting their intentions of playing in the WNBA as trans women.
Amid the chaos, the WNBA has finally ruled on their eligibility, causing a mixed reaction in the WNBA community.
WNBA Officially Declares Enes Kanter, Royce White Ineligible For Draft
The league privately informed the two former NBA players that they are not eligible to play in the WNBA, with league sources reportedly describing Kanter and White’s intentions as publicity stunts.
The WNBA world seems split, with several fans expressing different opinions.
“If true and officially decided, Kanter’s discrimination lawsuit will be inbound for the WNBA offices inside a week,” journalist Corey Clayton said.
If true and officially decided, Kanter’s discrimination lawsuit will be inbound for the WNBA offices inside a week. https://t.co/UCJhZ2Kv8W
— Corey Clayton (@CoreyClayton) August 24, 2026
One fan offered a somewhat similar viewpoint, saying, “Absolute ridiculous mess! The WNBA is full of BIGOTS who still have yet to define what a woman really is.”
Absolute ridiculousness! The WNBA is full of BIGOTS who still have yet to define what a woman really is.
— Wesley King (@WesleyGKing) August 24, 2026
One fan said, “So the WNBA is all talk about being inclusive.”
The heart of the issue centers around the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham initially brought the issue to the forefront in the WNBA by stating her belief that transgender athletes should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that only women are allowed to play in the league. However, critics point out the guidelines do not directly state only biological women are allowed to play in the league.
Kanter and White tried challenging the guidelines by declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, while saying they identify as women, which brought the controversy through new heights.
Another fan said, “I have a feeling this is going to be litigated. lmao what a clown show!” Many fans who disagree with the WNBA’s ruling expect Kanter to challenge it and potentially take legal action.
Other fans believe the WNBA’s ruling should finally put an end to this topic, with one claiming, “Serves them right, hope they got to enjoy a little bit of that relevancy while it lasted.”
serves them right, hope they got to enjoy a little bit of that relevancy while it lasted 😭 https://t.co/G0CNg3nd2y
— 🌊 (@blondedmatty) August 24, 2026
Another fan said, “Not even worth a statement just let them go undrafted and unsigned. Pointless to give it any mind.”
Not even worth a statement just let them go undrafted and unsigned. Pointless to give it any mind https://t.co/QBMoAFRcLD
— Noah (@noahanderson25) August 24, 2026
Many critics of Kanter and White’s actions believe this is a publicly stunt and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Others have said that the former NBA players are simply trying to get attention.
Others believe the entire topic has already received more attention than it deserves, because neither Kanter or White would be selected even if they were eligible to play in the WNBA.
It appears the conversation regarding Kanter and White’s eligibility is far from over, and it remains to be seen how the two stars respond.
