By: Dionte Daniel, Assistant Sports Editor

The WNBA should be riding the biggest wave of success in its history. Instead, the league’s biggest conversation has become everything that isn’t basketball. 

Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert leadership are problems the WNBA never anticipated but could impact its future. 

Freedom and White announced they were entering the WNBA Draft while also stating they identify as women. The announcements were made in the middle of a national debate about transgender athletes playing women’s sports. But reports also came out saying that neither former NBA players would be eligible for the WNBA Draft. 

Freedom and White are seemingly trying to make a statement rather than play in the WNBA. But their decision to declare for the draft left the league with a question that needs to be answered publicly: Who is eligible to play in the WNBA? 

Cunningham, who has been one of the WNBA’s most outspoken players about this topic, doesn’t think biological males should compete against women. 

“I think women’s sport needs to be protected and males should not be able to compete against biological women,” Cunningham told The CW. 

I agree with everything Cunningham had to say. 

Women’s sports were created to allow female athletes to compete against fellow female athletes. The WNBA should have eligibility rules that protect female competition and respect transgender people. 

Having said that, Cunningham hasn’t stopped at questioning who should be able to play in the WNBA. She also hasn’t been afraid to call out the commissioner. 

“I just feel like we need someone leading that is bold, confident and willing to do what’s best for the players,” Cunningham said. 

I believe Engelbert has done a solid job as commissioner. Television ratings are up; players are gaining more recognition and women’s basketball is bigger than ever. 

But just because the league has been successful doesn’t mean Cunningham and the rest of the players shouldn’t hold Engelbert to a high standard. 

The WNBA is growing which means players, coaches and fans will only expect more from league officials. Players are looking for better leadership, more compensation and a larger voice in decisions that affect them. Cunningham is right; someone must be bold enough to guide the WNBA through the biggest time in its existence. 

 But leading the WNBA also means addressing tough social and political topics that some would rather avoid. 

Engelbert can’t let social media trolls, politicians, former NBA players and special interest groups dictate how the league runs. WNBA officials must be transparent about their decisions and policies. Too much uncertainty around rules and regulations only causes unnecessary controversy. 

Freedom and White likely declared for the draft to make a statement. But at least their actions have sparked a conversation about the WNBA’s eligibility rules. 

As for Cunningham, she is proving that she isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even if her comments receive backlash. 

Not everyone will agree with everything Cunningham says. But that’s how it should be. Players should be able to speak their mind without it turning into a threat to their career. 

The WNBA is at a point in its history where it can’t afford to have controversy overshadow the game. It needs better leadership and rules. It also needs to have honest conversations, even if they are uncomfortable. 

At the end of the day, we should be talking about basketball when it comes to the WNBA and not everything else.