Overview
- The courtside clash on Aug. 23 ended with Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from a Chicago Sky game and the team banning him from future Wintrust Arena events.
- Kanter Freedom and former NBA player Royce White publicly declared they identify as women and said they would enter the 2027 WNBA draft, actions league sources describe as publicity stunts and not valid under current practice.
- The WNBA has convened a task force and issued statements denouncing bad‑faith efforts while saying there are no immediate eligibility changes to implement.
- Several current and former WNBA players criticized Kanter Freedom’s conduct and urged stronger protections at games, with some calling for league‑wide restrictions on disruptive attendees.
- The root issue is a single line in the collective bargaining agreement that says only 'players who are women are eligible' but gives no definition or verification method, a gap that could force bargaining with the WNBPA or trigger litigation.