Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has announced his readiness to play in the WNBA, asserting that the league is unprepared to address the complexities surrounding its transgender athlete eligibility policy. Freedom's move comes after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham faced backlash for her views on transgender women competing in women's sports.
Freedom appeared on Fox News Channel’s "My View with Lara Trump" to discuss his intentions. He stated he believes he would be "the best draft pick in WNBA history." This declaration was prompted by what Freedom perceived as a lack of clear policy and support for athletes with specific views on the matter, citing comments from Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who wore a shirt supporting "trans kids."
"The WNBA has no idea what they’re about to face. They’re still trying to figure out what a woman is," Freedom said, questioning the league's approach to its gender eligibility rules. He noted that other major sports have incorporated language like 'biological female' or 'born female' into their collective bargaining agreements, while the WNBA has not.
Freedom lauded Sophie Cunningham as an "American hero" for expressing her views in an interview with ESPN. Cunningham stated that while she extends love, she also believes in truth and honesty, and aims to protect young girls in sports who she feels should not have to compete against biological males. Freedom shared that he receives messages from around the world supporting Cunningham's stance.
Rallies have been held in support of Cunningham prior to WNBA games, including one before the Fever's game against the New York Liberty. The WNBA has released a statement acknowledging ongoing discussions regarding the trans athlete topic, while also criticizing media for allegedly sowing division and engaging in "bad-faith" efforts to undermine the organization.