Enes Kanter Freedom declared himself eligible for the WNBA draft after declaring he is a woman, igniting a firestorm of legal and social debate. Former NBA player Kanter Freedom, who played 11 seasons and last appeared for the Celtics in 2022, stated that simply declaring his gender identity should meet every requirement. His move was mirrored by Royce White, also declaring for the draft. The controversy escalated during a Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game when Kanter Freedom was ejected after confronting Natasha Cloud, who yelled at him for wearing a shirt stating "Woman noun. adult human female."

Legal experts highlight significant vulnerabilities in the WNBA's current framework. The 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement states only "players who are women" are eligible, a clause present in every CBA since 1999. However, the document offers no definition of "woman" or a process for transgender eligibility. This ambiguity has drawn criticism from politicians and players. Five U.S. House members, including an Indiana representative, demanded answers from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, arguing the league must prioritize player safety and remain exclusive to biological women. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham echoed these concerns, stating biological men pose an unfair advantage and safety risks. The situation exposes the league's struggle to balance inclusivity with the integrity of women's sports amidst evolving legal landscapes.