Despite the media frenzy surrounding a pair of ex-NBA players who claim to be trans in an effort to join the WNBA, the league isn’t taking them seriously.
The players — Royce White and Enes Kanter Freedom — recently announced their intent to declare for the WNBA Draft. Both of them have previously stated their opposition to trans women competing in women’s sports, and the decision to suddenly self-identify as women was a clear effort to make the case that people born male should not compete against biological females. White has even threatened legal action if a WNBA team didn’t sign him.
Some have praised Kanter and White for the move, claiming the tactic exposed “flagrant hypocrisy” within the WNBA. The league, however, was unmoved by the hysteria. WNBA insider Khristina Williams reported:
Per league source, the WNBA is not taking declarations by former NBA players for the ’27 WNBA Draft seriously. Source called them attempts to “sow division and chaos” by “bad-faith actors.” Nothing is imminent; league will follow its process and not let outside noise dictate it.
Per league source, the WNBA is not taking declarations by former NBA players for the ‘27 WNBA Draft seriously. Source called them attempts to “sow division and chaos” by “bad-faith actors.” Nothing is imminent; league will follow its process and not let outside noise dictate it.
— Khristina (@Khristina) August 13, 2026
The trans athlete conversation was reignited following comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. In an ESPN profile, Cunningham made clear that she had nothing against the trans community but stated her opposition to trans women competing in women’s sports. That sparked a wave of backlash from the left, as well as praise from the right.
Cunningham’s comments also inspired anti-trans activists to organize multiple rallies in support of her. The rallies took place outside arenas before Fever games.
Her stance even got the attention of Riley Gaines, the former collegiate swimmer who famously competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas. Since then, Gaines has called for a federal to prevent such a scenario from happening again.
In the wake of all the media attention, Cunningham was also reportedly in talks for a book deal.
The post WNBA Source Accuses Ex-NBA Players of Trying to ‘Sow Division and Chaos’ with Trans Stunt — Says League Isn’t Taking Them Seriously first appeared on Mediaite.