Kanter, White WNBA eligibility: Navratilova reacts to former NBA stars’ challenge
Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have declared their intent to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, citing the league's vague gender eligibility rules. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has publicly called for the league to establish clearer, more meaningful standards in response.
Why it matters
The situation highlights ongoing debates regarding gender eligibility policies in professional sports and the potential for these rules to be challenged by high-profile athletes.
Martina Navratilova has reacted with concern to the WNBA Draft eligibility debate after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White said they plan to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Their announcements have put fresh attention on the league’s current rules, which say women can play but do not clearly explain how gender eligibility should be decided. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has now said league executives will discuss the issue next week.Martina Navratilova questions WNBA rules after Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announcementsEnes Kanter Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran, said he had studied the WNBA’s eligibility rules before declaring himself eligible for the April 2027 draft. He argued that the current wording allows him to make the same claim as anyone else who identifies as a woman.Royce White followed with his own announcement.
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