WNBA Barred Kanter and White From 2027 Draft
The league confirmed that Enes Kanter and Royce White are ineligible for the upcoming WNBA draft.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Basketball
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The WNBA has officially ruled Enes Kanter and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 draft following their attempts to challenge the league's eligibility rules. The decision follows public confrontations and controversies surrounding the involvement of biological men in women's sports.
Why it matters
The league's intervention reflects an ongoing effort to maintain current participation standards while managing high-profile public disputes regarding the definition of women in athletics. The move highlights the tension between league policy and individuals seeking to challenge institutional definitions.
The WNBA confirmed the ineligibility of both individuals for the 2027 draft process, noting that Enes Kanter previously signed an NBA contract worth $102 million during his professional career.
The players
Cathy Engelbert
She has served as the WNBA commissioner for seven years and announced her upcoming retirement.
Patrick Beverley
A professional basketball player who publicly criticized Kanter and White regarding their behavior toward the WNBA.
Enes Kanter
A former professional basketball player who unsuccessfully attempted to declare for the WNBA draft.
Royce White
A former professional athlete who joined Kanter in challenging WNBA eligibility standards.
Sophie Cunningham
A professional basketball player who expressed opposition to biological men competing against girls in sports.
The details
Patrick Beverley criticized both Kanter and White for their conduct, stating that his disapproval is motivated by a desire to protect his daughter who plays basketball. This followed Sophie Cunningham's July 21 comments asserting that young girls should not compete against biological men.
Timeline
July 21, 2026: Sophie Cunningham shared her views on WNBA eligibility.
August 2026: Kanter and White announced their 2027 draft intentions.
August 23, 2026: Enes Kanter was escorted from Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
August 24, 2026: League sources confirmed both men were ineligible for the 2027 draft.
September 4, 2026: Cathy Engelbert announced she will retire as commissioner at the end of 2026.
Season Trajectory
The league's decision to disqualify Kanter and White reinforces its current policy regarding participant eligibility. This move effectively closes the door on the attempt to alter the 2027 draft pool through external pressure.
The WNBA's confirmation of draft ineligibility ensures that the current draft pool remains restricted to candidates meeting established league definitions. This removes the possibility of Kanter or White participating in the 2027 draft cycle.
The takeaway
The WNBA has firmly maintained its current eligibility standards despite significant public pressure and confrontations at its venues. This indicates that the league intends to protect its existing competition criteria through the 2027 draft cycle.
What happens next
Cathy Engelbert is scheduled to retire from her role as WNBA commissioner at the end of 2026.
Further reading
Find more analysis on league policies and athlete eligibility in our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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