The U.S. national team always stays on the court for the playing of the anthem at the World Cup and the Olympics. One reason is because the timing is different from WNBA games. During those international events, the anthems of both countries competing are played after the introduction of lineups before tipoff.

Cathy Engelbert told Congress that Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are "both men" but declined to define "women" under WNBA eligibility rules.

The WNBA’s final decision on Enes Kanter has led to one Republican Party member taking a shot at Cathy Engelbert. Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom’s dream of playing in the WNBA has been shattered after the league officially rejected his request to enter the 2027 draft.

WNBA Says Enes Kanter Freedom, Royce White Can't Play Because They're 'Both Men'

Royce White says he plans to explore legal avenues against the WNBA after Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Congress he is ineligible as a man.

The WNBA has historically left decisions on fan behavior and attendance to individual teams.

The response was prompted after Indiana House representative Marlin Stutzman, among other Republicans, asked the league for a definition of its eligibility rules and to define “a woman” after the WNBA said both Freedom and White were not eligible to declare for the 2027 draft, despite their efforts to do so.

Former NBA player Enes responds directly to a letter from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, which stated he and Royce White are ineligible for the league because they are men.

Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell flexed her brother's achievements abroad.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White are ineligible to play in the league because they are men,

Here is everything that you need to know to watch the 2026 WNBA Playoffs, including a full schedule with TV and streaming information for every game.