Following Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's controversial comments, the WNBA now finds itself in an awkward position. Cunningham stated her belief that transgender athletes shouldn't play women's sports.
That has led to a mixed reaction and has even opened the WNBA up to former NBA players trying to join their league. Surprisingly, it's something the league is only now willing to address.
Former NBA player Enes Freedom was a serviceable center in the NBA for a decade. However, he has recently stated that he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, which is no doubt a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, former first-round pick Royce White also declared an interest in joining the WNBA.
To be clear, neither player appears serious about doing so. Instead, they are trying to prove a point, even if it's a point that many don't agree with.
WNBA is forced to confront Sophie Cunningham's comments head-on
Whether you agree with Cunningham's take or not, it seems that the WNBA has done a horrible job responding to criticisms surrounding its players. First, there was a lack of response to all of the physicality Caitlin Clark has been taking on the court.
In fact, had it not been for NBA commissioner Adam Silver recommending it, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert wouldn't have suspended Chennedy Carter. Remember, Carter went viral for pressing down on Clark's throat with her fist.
That's insane to think about. Now Engelbert is again late responding to the fallout surrounding Cunningham's comments by having a league meeting about who is eligible to actually play in the WNBA.
The WNBA's slow response to issues makes them far worse
The WNBA shouldn't have waited this long to come up with a set of rules on the issue. Had they not waited, they wouldn't have opened themselves up to clear publicity stunts by failed NBA players.
Say what you will about NBA commissioner Silver; he wouldn't have let this situation spiral. Engelbert probably isn't used to having this much attention on the WNBA, and it's proving to be a gift and a curse.
A gift in the sense that people are actually talking about the WNBA. A curse now that it's become a lightning rod for criticism.
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