The WNBA's transgender policy is under the spotlight again, as former NBA center Enes Kanter claims that he and three other ex-NBA players are planning to pursue careers in the women's league. Kanter, who declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft earlier this month, says he's been in talks with a group of players who are ready to make the jump if the league doesn't clarify its stance.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Kanter revealed that he has spoken with two former NBA players, three G-League players, and three European players who are all interested in joining the WNBA. "They have all said that if the @WNBA doesn't change the rules, they're ready to join the movement and are considering coming out as women and putting their names in the 2027 #WNBA Draft," he wrote.
The financial angle is hard to ignore. Kanter pointed out that the average G-League salary is around $45,000 a year, while top WNBA players earn $1.4 million. "Those 'men' could earn an extra $1,355,000 a year by just identifying as women. Rules are rules," he added, sparking a firestorm of debate.
One of the most notable figures in this movement is Royce White, a former NBA first-round pick who has officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft. White's declaration, signed by his legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz, states that White now identifies as a transgender woman. The document cites Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which affirms eligibility based on gender identity.
"As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman," White wrote in the notice. The WNBA has yet to respond officially, leaving the league's policy on transgender athletes in limbo.
This development comes amid broader conversations about gender and sports, including the recent controversy over male practice players in the WNBA and the ongoing debate over player conduct and relationships. The league's silence on White's declaration has only fueled speculation about how it will handle this unprecedented situation.
Kanter, a vocal advocate for human rights, has been outspoken about his own plans to enter the WNBA Draft, calling it a "movement" to challenge the league's rules. He insists that if the WNBA doesn't address the issue, more players will follow suit, potentially reshaping the landscape of women's professional basketball.
Critics argue that allowing former NBA players to compete in the WNBA would undermine the integrity of women's sports, while supporters point to the league's own collective bargaining agreement and the need for inclusivity. The debate is likely to intensify as the 2027 draft approaches.
For now, the WNBA has remained tight-lipped, leaving fans and players alike wondering what's next. As the story develops, all eyes will be on the league's response to White's formal declaration and whether Kanter's predictions come to fruition.
