Former Rep. Matt Gaetz warns WNBA of legal action over male draft eligibility
Matt Gaetz says he is representing former NBA player Royce White and cautions the WNBA to keep all records as the league considers whether men can enter its draft.
Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White said they intend to compete for spots in the 2027 WNBA Draft, yet multiple league sources claim they do not meet eligibility rules. After Freedom was ejected from a Chicago Sky versus Indiana Fever game, the prospects’ plans were further complicated. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz announced he is representing White and posted on X that the WNBA has not informed his client or his legal team about any eligibility decision, urging the league to retain all records for potential litigation.
The WNBA has offered no public comment, though a recent internal meeting concluded there were no immediate eligibility matters. The league’s 2026 collective-bargaining agreement states only women may play, but it has not clarified the definition of “woman.” Gaetz’s warning signals a possible legal dispute over gender-based eligibility standards.
Why it matters
The dispute could force the WNBA to clarify its gender eligibility rules and set a legal precedent for sports leagues.
How this story developed
- Aug 10 WNBA chief outlines league's plan to address transgender athlete debate
- Aug 16 The WNBA subreddit now filters any mention of Sophie Cunningham’s name.
- Aug 23 Enes Kanter Freedom announced a mock WNBA draft bid to pressure the league into clarifying its rules on transgender competitors, citing recent support for trans athletes by coaches and players.
- Aug 25 The league ruled Kanter Freedom and Royce White ineligible for the 2027 draft and Kanter was ejected from a game after a verbal altercation with Natasha Cloud.
In this story
Related stories
24 in this thread