Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom announced he intends to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft after examining the league's inclusion guidelines. The 33-year-old Turkish player made the announcement on social media on the evening of August 7, 2026.
Kanter Freedom previously played in the NBA for teams including the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. He is considered persona non grata in Turkey due to his severe criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to Kanter Freedom, he and his legal team conducted a detailed examination of the WNBA regulatory framework. He stated that the league's eligibility criteria and guidelines regarding self-identification and inclusion permit him to enter the draft in April 2027.
Kanter Freedom stated that after careful consideration and review of current eligibility rules, he was officially declaring himself a candidate for the WNBA. He added that if declaring one's identity is the only requirement, he meets every condition to compete in the league.
Eligibility Rules and Legal Review
The former center acknowledged that his announcement would generate strong public reactions. He emphasized that his intention is not to mock, ridicule, or show disrespect toward any community or personal choices.
Kanter Freedom requested that the eligibility standards be applied equally to all individuals without exception. He noted that these principles have been publicly supported by WNBA players and coaches in the past.
He added that his legal team is prepared to pursue the consistent application of WNBA rules. He concluded his statement by calling on the WNBA to adhere to its stated values and guidelines.
