WNBA task force fails to define ‘woman’ after draft declarations

A WNBA task force met on Wednesday but did not agree on new eligibility rules defining who qualifies as a woman, ESPN reported. The league said there are “no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA” and rejected “bad-faith efforts” to demean or marginalize people. The existing rule that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA” remains unchanged, with no separate definition of “woman” in the player eligibility section.

The issue gained attention after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom argued that the league’s wording leaves room for his challenge, saying: “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.” He criticised the task force meeting, calling it disrespectful to past players. White has also said he will pursue the 2027 draft.

The task force discussed a range of topics including transgender athletes and online hate. The WNBA said discussions will continue in the coming weeks and months, but for now the eligibility language stays unchanged.