USA TODAY Sports
Another former NBA player is joining Enes Kanter in trolling the WNBA.
On Friday afternoon, Enes Kanter Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, chimed in on the transgender athletes debate by revealing that he planned to identify as a woman to enter the WNBA draft.
After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA
prospect.
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.
Former NBA 1st rd pick Enes Kanter Freedom has declared for the WNBA Draft
“My team & I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria… Based on the current guidelines, I can & am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA Draft” pic.twitter.com/6S66h75AS0
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) August 7, 2026
After Kanter’s announcement went viral, another former NBA player Royce White, who was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft but played limited games due to mental health issues, also decided to join the WNBA draft.
“I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well,” White said.
“I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything. I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the girls need me to do…
“I think it’s only fair.”
A second former NBA player plans to join the WNBA.
Royce White – a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2012 – told me he will be declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft. The only thing that will stop him is if the WNBA makes a “definitive statement” that males can’t play in the league. https://t.co/1TiWv2d8Kp pic.twitter.com/22SsSgoHTf
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 8, 2026
It is worth noting that White played in only three NBA games in his career and scored zero points due to his severe fear of flying.