WNBA responds to Congress' question on how it defines 'a woman'
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated in a letter that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to play in the league because they are "both men," responding to Republican lawmakers' demand for clarity on eligibility rules.
- The letter was prompted by Indiana House representative Marlin Stutzman and others asking the WNBA to define "a woman" after Freedom and White, identifying as women, sought to declare for the 2027 draft.
- Freedom criticized Engelbert's letter on social media, accusing the WNBA of misgendering him and questioning the league's authority to define gender identity without clarifying what qualifies as a woman.
- The debate intensified following WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's comments about protecting young girls in sports, which sparked widespread discussion and protests within the league and among fans.
- The WNBA issued a statement affirming its commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, condemning hate and abuse, and emphasizing that it will not be used as a political tool amid ongoing conversations about transgender athletes.
