W. 

Women. 

Women’s National Basketball Association. 

When you think of the WNBA — recently, at least — I’m sure the only thing that comes to mind is Enes Kanter Freedom, right? 

It sounds ludicrous, but that’s exactly what Kanter has managed to accomplish over the last few weeks. 

The former (mediocre) NBA player has spent the last few weeks inserting himself into the conversation, declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft and claiming he identifies as a woman. Former NBA player Royce White followed suit.

Kanter says he’s doing this to expose what he believes is a loophole in the WNBA’s rule book.

But here’s the problem . . . 

It’s not about Enes Kanter and it never should have been.

The WNBA is about women who have dedicated their lives playing basketball and perfecting their crafts. Women who started when they were young and have spent countless hours in an empty gym, dreaming about playing on the biggest stage. 

But now, the conversation is about a washed-up, 34-year-old former NBA player who hasn’t played in an NBA game since 2022. 

Kanter played for a long time, made millions of dollars, played in front of sold-out arenas on a nightly basis, and competed with some of the best players in history.

Fast forward to 2026. He wants to walk into the WNBA and make the league’s eligibility rules part of his political campaign.

Kanter says he’s standing up for women, but if you really want to stand up for women, maybe start by letting women be the story.

That’s what I find so frustrating. 

For years, women’s sports have fought for respect and recognition. Athletes have repeatedly had to fight for better pay, better facilities, better coverage, and better opportunities.

And now, once again, the spotlight has shifted away from them.

We’re not talking about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese going head-to-head, drawing in a record TV audience (3.82 million viewers, according to Fox News). It was the most watched WNBA game in 29 years. 

We’re not talking about an exciting playoff race and individual greatness, such as Reese setting a single-game rebounding record (26) and season rebounding record (458 and counting). 

We’re not talking about the impressive rookie campaign of Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles, who’s averaging 19.7 points and 6.2 assists. 

Instead, people want to talk about if a former NBA player should be able to play in the WNBA. 

That’s the irony. Kanter claims he’s protecting women’s sports, while making himself the biggest story in women’s sports.

I think we — and the media — should simply move on.

The league reportedly considers Kanter and White ineligible. Good. There’s no reason to give this manufactured controversy more oxygen.

They don’t qualify and we don’t need a month-long national debate to figure that out.

And, frankly, whether he could score 20 points a night in the WNBA isn’t the point; it’s whether he has the right to play in the WNBA and he doesn’t. 

If Kanter really cared about the WNBA, there are plenty of ways he can help the league. 

Buy tickets. Promote the players. Invest in a team or youth girls basketball. Use your platform to make sure young women have more opportunities to play the sport you supposedly care so much about.

Anything but what you’re doing now . . . 

• What sport has the best fans?
  • It has to be European/South American soccer fans. In America, we have so many different sports to choose from, whereas many others are solely soccer nations. Their passion is off the charts.
• Favorite sports jersey you own? 
  • My Kevin Garnett Timberwolves jersey. Funny story: My dad bought me the jersey from the NBA Store in New York City. As he was driving home, Garnett was traded to Boston. 
• Best trophy in sports?
  • Hands down, it’s the Larry O’Brien Trophy. I will admit, even though I’m not a huge hockey fan, the Stanley Cup is pretty great as well. 

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