WNBA Commissioner Addresses Draft Declarations by Former NBA Players
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has issued a statement following declarations for the 2027 WNBA draft by former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White. Engelbert sent a memo to teams addressing the situation, which she described as "complex and nu".
Key takeaways
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has issued a statement and memo regarding former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the 2027 WNBA draft.
- Engelbert characterized the situation as "complex and nu" in her communication to WNBA teams.
- The declarations by the former NBA players have drawn attention to the WNBA.
- This development occurred on August 11, 2026.

What Happened
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to declarations for the 2027 WNBA draft by former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White. Engelbert issued a statement and sent a memo to WNBA teams regarding the declarations.
The commissioner characterized the situation as "complex and nu" in her communication to the teams.
Key Facts
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement and a memo to teams.
- Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declared for the 2027 WNBA draft.
- The memo was sent following these declarations.
- Engelbert described the situation as "complex and nu".
- The publication date for this report was August 11, 2026.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories

WNBA faces scrutiny over differing responses to player conduct
11 Aug

Minnesota Lynx Clinch 2026 WNBA Playoff Berth with Win Over Las Vegas
11 Aug

Don Nelson, Hall of Fame Coach and Five-Time NBA Champion Player, Dies at 86
10 Aug

Washington Mystics Defend Six-Game Winning Streak Against Struggling Phoenix Mercury
10 Aug
