Enes Kanter Freedom Criticizes WNBA Leadership After Valkyries Championship
Former NBA player renews his push for the 2027 WNBA draft, citing player talent but questioning league management.
Enes Kanter Freedom lauded the WNBA's players following the Golden State Valkyries' historic championship victory but directed criticism towards the league's leadership. His comments come as he continues to assert his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA draft.
The Golden State Valkyries secured their first championship by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco. Gabby Williams scored 30 points in the decisive game, which marked the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.
"I’m so proud of all these hardworking, talented women who have dedicated their lives to basketball," Freedom said in a statement. "They deserve all the recognition, respect, and support in the world."
He added, "I just wish they had better leadership, because the conversation should be about their incredible performances on the court, not controversies off it. My hope is that next year we can finally have some peace and let basketball be the focus again."
Freedom previously announced his bid to enter the 2027 draft in August, stating he identifies as a woman and arguing that the league's eligibility criteria allowed for his participation. However, the WNBA has declared him ineligible. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert reiterated this stance in October, informing Republican lawmakers that "only women are eligible to play in the WNBA" and identifying Freedom as a man.
Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the WNBA’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement states, "Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA." The agreement does not specify eligibility policies for transgender women.
Freedom has indicated he would withdraw his draft campaign if the league explicitly restricted eligibility to biological women. WNBA star Gabby Williams had earlier expressed support for transgender athletes, stating, "I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime." Freedom cited her remarks as the impetus for his draft announcement.
As of October, no transgender woman had played in the WNBA, according to The Associated Press.
Freedom's campaign has also led to incidents during the Finals. On October 21, he departed State Farm Arena in Atlanta after a dispute over watching Game 3 from a private luxury suite instead of his purchased seat. Arena officials stated the suite arrangement was due to Freedom's expressed safety concerns and included enhanced security. Freedom maintained he wished to sit in his purchased seat.
Earlier in the season, the Chicago Sky banned Freedom from home games following a confrontation with guard Natasha Cloud on August 23. Sky owner Michael Alter cited safety concerns, stating Freedom had posed a threat by stepping towards Cloud.
With WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert set to retire at the end of 2026 after more than seven years, Freedom's continued advocacy suggests he intends to maintain his focus on these issues as the league transitions to new leadership for the 2027 season.