Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has declared himself a prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, announcing his intentions with a video of a shirtless workout and a statement emphasizing equal application of league rules. Freedom, 34, stated in a social media post that he meets all necessary requirements to compete in the WNBA, adding that he seeks for "rules to be applied equally to everyone."
Freedom posted a clip of himself lifting weights on his X account with the caption, "Let 'The Transition' to the @WNBA begin." He further elaborated in a statement that if simply declaring one's identity is sufficient for eligibility, then he fulfills those criteria. He added that he does not intend to mock any community or personal choices but is advocating for the consistent application of rules that he believes many in the WNBA community have supported.
Freedom officially declared for the 2027 draft by signing a petition, sharing the moment on social media with the hashtag #LetFreedomPlay. His announcement has generated debate, with the WNBPA, the players' union, releasing a statement condemning hate and the demonization of any group, including transgender people.
Freedom played 11 seasons in the NBA for five different teams, averaging 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game over 748 career games. He last played in the 2021-22 NBA season. He was the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.