Claiming 'Womanhood' Could Earn $1.355 Million Annually — Kanter Announces 8 Players Will Join WNBA Draft

Former NBA player Enes Kanter has publicly announced his intention to participate in the 2027 WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) draft and is attempting to recruit other male professional players to join. In a video posted on social media platform X, Kanter targeted male players in the NBA G League, highlighting the potential financial benefits of switching to the WNBA.

In the video, Kanter stated that NBA G League players earn approximately $45,000 annually (about NT$1.44 million), while top WNBA players earn up to $1.4 million annually (about NT$44.8 million). He bluntly claimed that male players could earn an extra $1.355 million per year simply by declaring their gender identity as female, emphasizing, "Rules are rules."

Kanter also revealed that he has already contacted six players preparing to enter the WNBA draft.

Additionally, the former New York Knicks center said he has discussed the matter with several current and former male professional players. He disclosed that he has reached out to two former NBA players, three G League players, and three European league players—all of whom reportedly expressed willingness to join the league if the WNBA does not revise its rules, considering self-identifying as women and registering for the 2027 draft. However, Kanter did not reveal the names of these players, and none have come forward to confirm such discussions.

This move aims to pressure the WNBA into taking a clear stance on transgender athlete eligibility rather than merely seeking to compete. The action prompted the WNBA management to hold a meeting last week to discuss related regulations, but no consensus was reached on the definition of "woman," nor was it clarified whether men would be allowed to participate.

As gender issues continue to intensify, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham told USA Today in an exclusive interview that the WNBA may need a new leadership team amid this changing landscape. Cunningham said those in power face difficult jobs, but new leadership might help, hinting that executive positions could change by year-end.

Cunningham emphasized that leaders must be bold and confident, always prioritizing players’ best interests. She also mentioned that while current WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made many contributions, players hope for management whose values align more closely with the league’s future direction. Since the WNBA operates under the NBA and its primary shareholders are the NBA, the selection and appointment of the WNBA commissioner ultimately rest with the NBA Board of Governors and Commissioner Adam Silver. Before joining the WNBA, Engelbert served as the first female CEO of Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms.

Cunningham stands firm: Prevent young women from competing against biological males

Regarding transgender athletes, Cunningham clearly stated her support in an ESPN interview for restricting biological males from participating in women’s sports. She stressed that this position stems not from hatred toward transgender individuals, but from the need to protect young women in locker rooms and on courts, preventing them from competing against biological males.

Her remarks immediately drew strong criticism from online left-wing groups, but Cunningham reaffirmed her stance at a press conference, stating that protecting children and biological females is common sense, and while she views everyone with love, she must also defend the rights of biological women.