Donald Trump Jr. backed former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom to break every record in the WNBA after Freedom declared for the draft as a trans player. The decision came after Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams claimed she would happily welcome a transgender teammate.
Freedom, 34, called Williams' bluff on Friday by posting a video declaring his attempt to join the WNBA for the 2027 season. Trump Jr. offered immediate backing on X, writing: "I'm going to go out [on] a limb here and predict Enes breaks every record in the WNBA in year one. She is truly going to make a spectacular women's basketball player."
It remains to be seen whether Freedom or Royce White, who followed shortly after as the second former NBA player to try, will succeed in joining the league.
Trump Jr.'s father, President Donald J. Trump, has long favored keeping trans athletes out of women's sports and signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order in February 2025. The order directed federal agencies to enforce Title IX while calling for potential legal action against institutions that allow male-born athletes to compete in women's sports.
Draft Eligibility and Announcement
In his announcement video, Freedom addressed his fans directly about the draft process. "After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect," Freedom said. "If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."
Freedom said his team examined the framework surrounding self-identification. "Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027," he said.
Freedom stated he did not intend to mock anyone on the court. "I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions," Freedom said. "I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices. I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone - the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for."
He added: "My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles. See you at training camp."
The 34-year-old was previously picked third overall at the 2011 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a career with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics, but has not played a professional game since 2022.
Social Media Support and WNBA Debate
Freedom's post quickly went viral on social media, drawing support from several political commentators. Riley Gaines responded on X: "Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits".
Piers Morgan wrote on X: "Brilliant… now let’s see how keen the @WNBA stars are for men to play in their League."
Clay Travis, who recently offered to pay $10 million to WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces if they can beat a high school boys basketball team of his choosing, wrote: "Amazing. Well done."
Freedom's declaration comes amid an ongoing culture war within the WNBA, sparked by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham after she said in an interview with ESPN that she wants to "protect young girls" from "biological men" in sports.
Sideline Protests and Arena Signs
Cunningham's comments left the sports world divided. While some, such as Gaines and ESPN's Smith, sided with the Fever star, others criticized her and booed her on the court.
In response to Cunningham's comments, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt on the sidelines during last Sunday's game against the Fever.
Gaines attended the same game to show support, bringing a sign for Cunningham that read: "Sophie, Thank You - A Girl Mom." However, retired gymnast Jennifer Sey, a friend of Gaines, revealed on X that WNBA staff told Gaines to put the sign away.
Gaines reposted Sey's message on X and added: "There were no fewer than 1000 signs in the arena. Most with trans paraphernalia. The only person who was told to put her sign down by WNBA officials was me. Wonder why."
Gaines kept her sign and posed for a courtside picture with Cunningham and Sey after the Lynx's 108-100 win over the Fever. The three posed together doing Cunningham's point gesture toward the camera. Gaines shared the picture on Instagram, writing: "I show up for @sophie_cham because she shows up for my daughter." Cunningham liked the post.
