Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has proposed a "peace summit" with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, suggesting that Caitlyn Jenner moderate a private conversation between them. Freedom released a video directly addressing Engelbert, calling for an open and respectful discussion without shouting, hiding, or scripted statements.
Freedom, who now goes by Enes Kanter Freedom, stated that he is a "peacemaker" and that the WNBA has been turned into a "laughingstock." He urged Engelbert to stop delays and provide a clear public answer regarding his proposed summit. Freedom indicated that Jenner, whom he described as a friend, has already agreed to facilitate the discussion.
This offer follows Freedom's announcement earlier in August that he would consider entering the 2027 WNBA Draft as a transgender player. He has since signed a document requesting to be included in the player pool for the 2027 WNBA Draft. According to the provided notes, Kanter is eligible to declare for the draft due to the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement's Article XIII, Section 1(a), which defines eligible players as "women" without specifying biological sex, hormone levels, or physical attributes.
Freedom's actions have drawn criticism from various figures in the basketball community. Former NBA player Patrick Beverley on "The Pat Bev Show" called Freedom's move a "disrespect" to the game. Los Angeles Sparks guard Cameron Brink also criticized Freedom's actions, using strong language to express her disapproval.
Freedom was also reportedly escorted out of a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky on August 23 after an altercation with Sky player Natasha Cloud. The incident occurred after Freedom cheered for Sophie Cunningham, which Cloud then responded to. Freedom was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "Woman noun. adult human female."