Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has mocked the WNBA’s trans debate, saying he wants to play in the women’s league.
Freedom, who played in the NBA for 11 seasons and stands at six-feet-10 inches, shared his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft in a viral social media post.
The former Boston Celtics and New York Knicks centre said: “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 carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion.
“Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.
“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.”
Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has mocked the WNBA’s trans debate
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Freedom’s message continued: “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.
“My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the WNBA honouring its stated principles. See you at training camp.”
The comments come as the WNBA is in a fierce trans debate about whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been the most outspoken star in the WNBA against trans athletes playing in women’s competitions.
Sophie Cunningham has been outspoken against trans players playing in the WNBA
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“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like: ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham told ESPN.
“I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest.
“And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Several political figures have backed Cunningham’s comments, including President Donald Trump.
The WNBA is in a heated trans debate
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The WNBA Players’ Association (WNBPA) has taken a different stance, hitting out at the comments and saying they will not be used as “political pawns”.
In a statement, the organisation wrote: “The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles and opinions. We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonisation of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm.
“We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”
