IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Enes Kanter is firing back at reports that he’s not allowed to play in the WNBA.
Two weeks ago, Kanter went viral when he declared for the WNBA draft in an attempt to test the league’s transgender athlete policy.
“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.”
On Monday, Front Office Sports reported that Kanter and former NBA player Royce White were ineligible to join the WNBA.
A league source called the recent declarations of the two men “simply publicity stunts” and said that the league is “not going to give oxygen to efforts designed to mock the league or use this topic to demean and marginalize others.”
League sources also say that the WNBA does not have any legitimate and immediate eligibility matters that require action. The league will continue to discuss the topic, but it “will not allow outside pressure or manufactured controversy to dictate league processes,” the source said.
Kanter would later go on Fox News’ Ingraham Angle to explain that he still believes he should be eligible to play in the WNBA.
“I am a woman. I should be allowed to play.”
“Article 13 Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, then you are allowed to play. I identify as a woman, so yes, I can play”
Enes Kanter Freedom responds to reports that he’s ineligible to play in the WNBA:
“I am a woman. I should be allowed to play.”
“Article 13 Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, then you are allowed to play. I identify as a woman, so yes I can play” pic.twitter.com/cR6v7l3SXk
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 24, 2026