# ‘How dare they’ – Ben Shapiro takes Enes Kanter’s side after WNBA trans statement

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-08-15 10:07 UTC · Category: Sports

## Executive Summary
Ben Shapiro expresses support for Enes Kanter following a controversial statement from the WNBA regarding transgender individuals.

## Intelligence Brief
A public dispute has emerged involving the WNBA and former professional athlete Enes Kanter. According to coverage from hitc.com, political commentator Ben Shapiro has intervened in the matter, taking the side of Enes Kanter. This reaction follows a specific statement released by the WNBA concerning transgender issues. Shapiro's response, characterized by the phrase 'How dare they,' indicates a strong opposition to the league's official position on the matter. The coverage emphasizes the clash between sports organizational policy and external political critique.


Hitc.com focuses on the specific alliance between Shapiro and Kanter in the wake of the WNBA's announcement. Simultaneously, Fox News has highlighted the actions of Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner. The outlet specifically notes that Engelbert appeared to demonstrate a clear understanding of what a woman was during her first WNBA press conference, framing her public appearance in the context of the ongoing debate over gender and sports. This trend matters now as the WNBA continues to navigate complex social and gender-related policies. The involvement of figures like Ben Shapiro and Enes Kanter suggests that league statements are being closely monitored by political commentators and former athletes.


The context provided by the outlets suggests a broader tension regarding the definition of women's sports and the inclusive or exclusive nature of the WNBA's current administrative statements and press interactions. Future developments to watch include further responses from the WNBA regarding the criticism from Shapiro and Kanter. Based on the reporting from Fox News, the public statements and conduct of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during press conferences will likely remain a focal point for those analyzing the league's stance. Observers will be looking for whether the WNBA clarifies its trans statement or if the public disagreement with Kanter and Shapiro escalates further in the media.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| Fox News | Cathy Engelbert sure seemed to know what a woman was at her first WNBA press conference | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxOZmtDS2hzWjVjQ0ZiUjNrNERrMVFFNjRQN2Z4Nk1FeFZWSDRIcEtGLW50bU13Rm1HR3JsV0ZlYV8wUDEzWFJSazVKbi1ZZkpEQU9jRUF4RW9NMEowQXNVTUZCeW1SMW0wU3lLZHhCZmpaU1RzVS1JQVptN2p5a3RPUWJWeVlyc1lVYkl2anR3TkZhUE1FbXZQRi1nSHZJeXBfcFE?oc=5) |
| hitc.com | ‘How dare they’ – Ben Shapiro takes Enes Kanter’s side after WNBA trans statement | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxOUWEwWjJMM21BYXdJbnU4SWtkUm12U3VHNVhQRWNENEFUMnoxTGluaDl3cXRCaGtDZVJwWTBLaXpBMktNWmJqeXQ0cVdrVUZnajBxWTBpSGgxN0ZNdUZEcTBHSlVJRTJ4NVVkaVhHVF9yX1Y5NXhUTHBsY2NQa0k3ZUMxVk9aMHB1WTdhM2pyeGM5MzZkZWlhZUd4SHFjZkU?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-08-15/how-dare-they-ben-shapiro-takes-enes-kanter-s-side-after-wnba-trans-statement*