Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has stated that he will be eligible for the 2027 WNBA draft. Freedom, who played in the NBA for nine seasons before becoming an advocate and commentator, made the declaration in a statement that has since circulated.
Details surrounding the announcement remain sparse, but the declaration has sparked discussion regarding eligibility and the nature of professional sports leagues. Freedom's career in the NBA included stints with multiple teams, and he gained further public recognition for his vocal stances on various social and political issues. He later changed his name to Enes Kanter Freedom.
While the WNBA has specific eligibility requirements for drafted players, including age and, for U.S.-based players, typically being at least a year removed from high school and having exhausted college eligibility, the specifics of Freedom's intent and its practical implications are not yet clear. The league has not commented on the declaration.
Freedom's announcement comes amidst ongoing conversations about gender, identity, and inclusion in professional sports. His previous outspokenness on political matters suggests this declaration may be part of a broader statement or commentary.
Separately, in other sports news, the New York Post's betting column noted that the Toronto Blue Jays have had mixed results this season, with pitcher Jameson Taillon struggling in his debut and Sonny Gray having given up eight runs in 12 innings against the Jays this year. The Red Sox's Sonny Gray, however, previously had a successful outing against the White Sox. The Mets were mentioned as having pounded the Pirates 11-1, with Sean Manaea recording 11 strikeouts.