Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom announced on Friday afternoon that he is officially declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft. The 34-year-old, who stands 6 feet 10 inches tall, shared the announcement in a video posted to social media.
In the video statement, Freedom said he reviewed current eligibility guidelines and meets every requirement to compete in the league. He stated that his team examined the governing framework surrounding self-identification before declaring his eligibility for the April 2027 draft.
"I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions," Freedom said in the video. "I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices."
Eligibility Criteria and Social Media Announcement
Freedom stated that he is asking for current rules to be applied equally to everyone. He added that his team is prepared to ensure guidelines are enforced consistently, and that he looks forward to WNBA training camp.
Freedom was selected third overall in the 2011 NBA Draft and played 11 seasons in the league. His career included stints with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Oregon Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics, though he has not played a professional game since 2022.
His declaration comes during an ongoing debate about transgender inclusion in sports across the WNBA. The debate escalated after Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham told ESPN in an interview that she wants to protect young girls from biological men in sports.
WNBA Transgender Inclusion Debate
Cunningham's comments divided the sports world, drawing support from activist Riley Gaines and television host Stephen A. Smith, while others criticized and booed Cunningham on the court. The debate deepened when Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams publicly stated she would welcome a transgender teammate.
"I think trans rights, right now, is our new battle," Williams said in a recent interview. "We see people's trans rights being stripped away from them; there's a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in. I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime. I don't think it's a problem in the world."
On Sunday, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt reading "Trans Kids Belong" on the sidelines during a game against the Fever. Meanwhile, Freedom's announcement gained quick traction online among several conservative commentators.
Responses from Political Commentators
Riley Gaines responded to Freedom's video post on social media, writing: "Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits." Commentator Clay Travis, who recently offered $10 million to the Las Vegas Aces if they could beat a high school boys team, called the move "Amazing. Well done."
Gaines also attended Sunday's game between the Fever and the Lynx, carrying a sign that read "Sophie, Thank You - A Girl Mom." Retired gymnast Jennifer Sey stated online that WNBA staff instructed Gaines to put the sign down during the game.
Courtside Sign Incident and Social Media Posts
Gaines reposted Sey's message on social media platform X, writing that there were many signs in the arena, but she was the only person told by league officials to put her sign away. Despite the instruction, Gaines kept the sign throughout the event.
Following Minnesota's 108-100 victory over Indiana, Gaines posed courtside for photographs with Cunningham and Sey. The three posed together while performing Cunningham's signature pointing gesture toward the camera.
Gaines later posted a photograph with Cunningham on Instagram, writing that she supports the Fever star for standing up for her daughter. Cunningham subsequently liked the Instagram post.
