A former NBA star turned human-rights activist has declared his intent to enter the Women’s National Basketball League as a player next year.
In his announcement video, Enes Kanter Freedom (previously Enes Kanter) says he has reviewed the “current eligibility guidelines” for the WNBA and believes he is eligible for the league’s 2027 draft.
“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” notes Kanter Freedom in an X video.
Later in his statement, the former NBA center, who originally hails from Europe and played on various teams between 2011 and 2022, explained, “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.”
The video is apparently in response to recent controversy withing the WNBA since Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham declared her support for women’s and girls’ sports by opposing the inclusion of biological males. Backlash from other players, coaches and owners of WNBA teams ensued, while fans on both sides of the issue have staged demonstrations prior to Fever games in recent days.
WATCH:
After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines,
I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect.If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.
My team and I have… pic.twitter.com/msncUZUT1J
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 7, 2026
Kanter Freedom ends his statement with: “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.”
Reaction on X has bee mixed, with one user commenting, “Only a bunch of anti-trans people would keep this beautiful woman out of the WNBA. Let her play!”
Another addressed Kanter Freedom, saying, “Dude no team is going to pick you. I think free agency is closed for the season. 1) No one believes you actually believe you are a woman. 2) You are too right-leaning and outspoken to be an WNBA player. Yes, Sophie is outspoken but she is not right-wing.”
Women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines told Fox News Friday what she thought of Kanter Freedom’s move:
🚨 NOW: Riley Gaines just NAILED IT after former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom qualified himself for the 2027 WNBA Draft
“It’s BRILLIANT and GENIUS. [WNBA] can either recruit and sign Enes Kanter Freedom, [or] they can prove themselves as total, absolutely BIGOTS who don’t… pic.twitter.com/Jkzf45dbTG
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 7, 2026
‘We can’t be quiet’: Sophie Cunningham rallies expand in WNBA as fans support her stance on women
