Two former NBA players say they will enter the 2027 WNBA draft, causing controversy.

Their announcements were criticized as 'political stunts' and 'malicious attempts to demean' transgender people.

The WNBA has faced controversy over comments about trans people in sports.

Kanter Freedom and White say their plans depend on league rules, which state only women can play, but do not rule out transgender women. Here's what you need to know.

Does the WNBA have a culture war problem?

The debate started after a player said she wanted to protect young girls in sports from 'biological men'.

The term 'biological male' is often used to deny or undermine trans people.

The remarks caused a firestorm of media attention and protests.

Some in the Trump administration supported the player, calling her 'courageous'.

WNBA coaches and players defended inclusivity in sports, including for transgender women and girls.

The players' union condemned 'hate, abuse, and demonization' of any group, including transgender people.

Kanter Freedom said he meets every requirement of the WNBA because 'simply declaring who you are is all that’s required'.

He added he is not trying to 'mock, make fun of, or disrespect' any community.

Royce White told Fox News he 'sometimes identifies as a woman for purposes of basketball'.

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White says divisiveness 'will not win'.

The debate over trans athletes is taking over the WNBA.

Royce White said he would fit into the WNBA because he has 'naturally fair skin' and 'thick eyelashes'.

An expert said the WNBA is being targeted because it is a league dominated by Black and queer women.

The push by Kanter Freedom and White is 'an attempt to score points' in a right-wing movement.

The expert accused them of being 'disingenuous' and acting in 'bad faith'.

The expert said 'none of these people have ever cared about women's sport'.

WNBA eligibility is outlined in the league's collective bargaining agreement.

A WNBA spokesperson said the league denounces 'bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others'.

Right-wing politicians have seized on women’s sports to push anti-trans messaging.

This discourse is starting to find its way into government policy and sport organizations’ policy.

Last year, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order cutting off federal funds from schools that allow transgender women and girls to play on teams.

Scrutiny of the WNBA is increasing as discord around the league looms over all-star festivities.

In Canada, Alberta passed legislation banning transgender girls from participating in amateur female sports.

These policies can lead to youth being excluded from sports, said an expert.

The expert said we should create an environment that is inclusive and safe for all individuals.