Former NBA star center Enes Kanter FREEDOM has declared himself a prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, challenging the league to apply what he described as its eligibility and inclusion principles consistently.
Kanter Freedom, 34, announced the move in a video after saying he and his team reviewed the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and its approach to self-identification and inclusion.
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” he said. “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”
His declaration comes as transgender participation has become an increasingly visible issue around the league. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has taken a firm stance against biological males competing in women’s sports, saying women should be able to compete on a playing field reserved for female athletes.
Other figures inside the WNBA have taken a different position. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has visibly backed transgender inclusion, including appearing in a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt. The WNBPA has also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion while rejecting efforts to turn players into political symbols.
Kanter Freedom said his declaration was intended to test how the league applies the principles it promotes. He stressed that he was not trying to mock or disrespect transgender people.
“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,” he said.
Kanter Freedom was the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and played 11 seasons across five teams before finishing his NBA career with the Boston Celtics in 2021-22.
The WNBA has not publicly confirmed Kanter Freedom as an official 2027 draft prospect.
He closed the video with a pointed message.
“See you at training camp.”
