WNBA Eligibility Dispute: Cathy Engelbert Responds to Lawmakers

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded to a congressional inquiry about eligibility in the WNBA. The response was addressed to Republican lawmakers, specifically former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who had expressed intentions to join the WNBA, identifying as women.

Engelbert’s Response

Engelbert remarked that Freedom and White are ineligible because they are men. She stated, “Only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men.” This declaration was made without elaborating on the definition of “women” within the league’s rules.

The correspondence answered a previous inquiry from Rep. Marlin Stutzman and other lawmakers about eligibility criteria and player safety. Freedom and White had announced plans to join the 2027 WNBA Draft, asserting their self-identified gender.

“By clearly labeling Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White as men, they have acknowledged that identifying as a woman does not change basic human biology,” Stutzman commented.

The league’s policy currently specifies that only women are eligible, yet it lacks a clear definition of the term “women.” Engelbert’s letter did not propose a new policy or outline a detailed stance on transgender athletes.

Freedom’s Response

Enes Kanter Freedom criticized the lack of clarity in the WNBA’s standards, questioning Engelbert’s confidence in her eligibility judgment. Freedom queried the authority involved in determining one’s gender identity.

“How can the commissioner be so certain about my eligibility without explaining the standards?” Freedom asked.

Freedom asserted that his identity should be respected, emphasizing his intention to spark changes in the league’s eligibility criteria.

Transgender Athlete Inclusion

The WNBA faced increasing scrutiny over its eligibility rules, especially after players like Sophie Cunningham expressed their views on the inclusion of transgender athletes. This sparked further debate during the league’s games, drawing both support and criticism.

The league formed a task force to discuss transgender participation. Engelbert’s firm response came despite ongoing task force discussions. The league emphasizes enforcing its standards consistently among players, coaches, and officials.

Additional Concerns

Lawmakers also challenged the WNBA’s handling of issues like physical play and confrontations involving players and fans. Engelbert defended the league’s procedures, noting its efforts in enforcing rules consistently. However, she did not provide specific explanations for differing disciplinary actions, such as those involving Sky guard Natasha Cloud.

Freedom faced removal from a game and subsequent stadium bans. He filed a lawsuit claiming violations of his rights, while Sky representatives maintained the actions were due to Freedom’s conduct.

Engelbert concluded by mentioning continued efforts to protect players and address online hate. She will retire at the end of 2026, paving the way for a successor who may make the eligibility criteria more explicit.

Freedom remains determined to pursue a WNBA position unless rules change, calling for consistent policy enforcement.