Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom announced on Tuesday that he has begun his "transition" to becoming a WNBA player and has officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom shared a video on his X platform of himself performing a shirtless workout with dumbbells, which garnered over 1.5 million views by noon.
Freedom stated that his intention is for the WNBA's current eligibility guidelines to be applied equally to everyone. "If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required," Freedom said in a previous announcement, "then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."
He further clarified his position, stating, "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. 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."
Freedom's team is prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied consistently and without exception, and he expressed his anticipation for the WNBA to honor its stated principles. "See you at training camp," he added.
On Monday, Freedom shared a video of himself signing a document to request formal draft eligibility from the league. "Officially official. @WNBA I have officially declared for the 2027 #WNBA Draft. Rules are rules! #LetFreedomPlay," he posted.
Freedom played in the NBA from 2011 to 2022, with stints for the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics. He has been a vocal figure in political discourse, advocating for various causes and changing his name to Enes Kanter Freedom in 2021.