The transgender controversy surrounding the WNBA - BBC Sport

After the Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham said it was "common sense" to ban transgender women from women's sports, a row has emerged in the WNBA - with former NBA players saying eligibility rules mean they can enter the 2027 Draft.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Enes Kanter Freedom played 11 seasons in the NBA

The WNBA is still in the midst of its 2026 season and yet it is next year's Draft for North America's top women's basketball league that is dominating the headlines.

Why? Because some former men's NBA players have declared they will enter for selection - citing the current eligibility guidelines, or lack of, for transgender women players.

"I'm officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect," said Enes Kanter Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA.

It is the latest development in a story ignited by a comment made by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who said she wanted to protect young girls "who shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sport.