Caitlyn Jenner has weighed in after former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom announced his intention to enter the WNBA Draft.
Jenner, who transitioned in 2015, said Kanter is exposing the “hypocrisy” in the WNBA’s handling of transgender issues. Jenner was also critical of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not having a clearer statement on the issue.
“The WNBA had their meetings on this issue and Cathy [Engelbert], the head, says, ‘We talked about the trans issue, but we just haven’t come up with a conclusion at this point. We will continue the conversation.’ Cathy: XX, you’re in. XY, you’re out. It’s that simple,” Jenner said, via Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports.
After Kanter’s announcement, the league issued a statement denouncing “bad-faith” critics and stating that the WNBA is having “ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online.” The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that only women are allowed to play in the league, but does not specify how it determines who qualifies as a woman.
Kanter announced on Aug. 7 that he was declaring himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft after having “carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion.” He has since claimed that the move is not a publicity stunt and that he is not seeking to mock or disrespect anyone.
