From OutKick · Amber Harding · · 50s
Congressman demands WNBA clarify 'women' eligibility
Congressman presses WNBA to define 'women' after two ex-NBA players claim eligibility for draft
In brief
Congressman presses WNBA to define 'women' after two ex-NBA players claim eligibility for draft WNBA must define 'women' for eligibility rules to address player safety and inclusivity concerns Originally reported by OutKick.
Congressman questions WNBA definition
Rep. Marlin Stutzman demands WNBA clarify how it defines 'women' for eligibility rules
“How does the WNBA define 'women' for purposes of Article XIII, Section 1(a) of its collective bargaining agreement?”
Ex-NBA players seek draft entry
Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced they identify as women and plan to enter the 2027 WNBA draft
“Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White later announced that they identified as women and planned to enter the 2027 WNBA draft”
League rules on eligibility
WNBA collective bargaining agreement states only women are eligible but does not define the term
“The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement says that 'only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA'”
Player safety concerns
Congressman cites recent incidents involving player safety and fan confrontations
“The lawmakers point to Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington's Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham”
Fan confrontation incident
Natasha Cloud confronted Enes Kanter Freedom during an August game at Wintrust Arena
“Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud yell at one another during a game”
League's response timeline
WNBA commissioner must answer eligibility questions by October 16, 2025
“The lawmakers ask Engelbert to answer four questions by October 16”
The one thing
WNBA must define 'women' for eligibility rules to address player safety and inclusivity concerns
