WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert breaks silence on transgender debate after Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White’s 2027 draft declarations, ‘I’m officially declaring…’WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has asked teams to prepare for more discussion about transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, calling the issue one that needs a careful and respectful approach. Her memo comes as the league faces fresh questions after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White said they plan to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. The debate also grew after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke about protecting women’s sports. Engelbert said team presidents and general managers will discuss the matter at a meeting next week, while the WNBPA has also spoken about inclusion. CCathy Engelbert addresses transgender athlete debate as Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White declare for WNBA DraftAccording to The Associated Press, Engelbert sent the memo to WNBA teams on Friday after the recent attention around transgender participation.She wrote, “I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention.”Engelbert said in the memo obtained by The Associated Press. “I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”Engelbert also said the league will discuss the matter with team presidents and general managers next week. She wrote that the WNBA will “always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. … Preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”The memo followed announcements from Freedom and White about the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom said he had reviewed the league’s current eligibility rules and was declaring himself a WNBA prospect. White later said he would also enter the draft and said he identifies as transgender.Freedom said, “After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” before arguing that the rules should apply equally to everyone. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement says that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”Sophie Cunningham comments on women’s sports as WNBPA backs inclusionThe latest debate follows comments from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in an ESPN profile published July 21. Cunningham said she had received criticism over her views but rejected the idea that she was attacking transgender people.“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” Cunningham said. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”Cunningham added, “I’m very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume.”The WNBPA responded after Freedom’s announcement by stressing its support for different views and inclusion.The union said its members have different experiences, cultures and opinions, while adding that “Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm.” It also said, “We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”