NEW: Former NBA Star Declares For WNBA Draft

Former NBA first-round pick Enes Kanter Freedom is taking aim at the WNBA’s transgender participation debate by declaring himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft.

Freedom, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, announced the move in a tongue-in-cheek social media video Friday, framing it as a challenge to the league’s policies on gender identity and inclusion. The outspoken former center has spent years criticizing LeBron James, Nike and the Chinese Communist Party, and has long argued his political activism effectively ended his NBA career.

The announcement comes as the WNBA faces renewed scrutiny over transgender participation in women’s sports. The league has not publicly weighed in on the broader debate in recent weeks, even as players and coaches have been asked where they stand.

Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams recently said, “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team any time.”

Freedom, seated behind a studio desk wearing an orange WNBA sweatshirt with the Nike logo crossed out, argued that under current standards he qualifies to enter the league.

“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” Freedom stated.

He later added, “My team and I have carefully reviewed the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and government framework surrounding self identification and inclusion.”

Freedom continued, “Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA Draft in May 2027.”

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

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The announcement quickly drew attention online, including from OutKick contributor Riley Gaines, who praised the move.

Gaines called Freedom’s declaration “genius” and “perfect,” adding sarcastically, “Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits Enes Freedom.”

Freedom last appeared in the NBA during the 2021-22 season. He was waived by the Houston Rockets after being acquired from the Boston Celtics in a trade and has not played in the league since.

His announcement echoes arguments made by critics of current transgender participation policies in women’s sports, who frequently point to former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who competed on the men’s team before transitioning and later racing in the women’s division.

Freedom insisted his stunt was intended to test whether existing standards would be applied consistently rather than ridicule anyone.

“I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices,” Freedom added. “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.”

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