WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert informed House Republicans that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to play in the league because they are men. The league's collective bargaining agreement states only women are eligible. Republicans had requested a definition of "woman" for eligibility criteria. Engelbert's letter did not provide a specific definition but affirmed that only women can play in the WNBA. Representative Marlin Stutzman suggested the WNBA acknowledged basic human biology by labeling Freedom and White as men. Neither new rules nor policy changes regarding transgender athletes were announced. Freedom criticized Engelbert's stance, questioning her authority to define womanhood and determine his eligibility. He stated he identifies as a woman and feels misgendered by the league's declaration. Freedom's stated goal is to advocate for women's sports to be limited to biological females. The WNBA's internal task force had discussed transgender participation but had not reached a definitive definition. Freedom believes adding the word "biological" to eligibility rules would resolve his challenge. He also stated that if the rules don't change, he expects to be drafted in 2027. The eligibility debate has gained attention with other transgender athletes expressing interest in playing in the WNBA.