Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player who has declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, has called for a "peace summit" with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's task force to address the ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes.
Freedom announced his intention to participate in the summit via social media on Monday, proposing that Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender woman and Olympic gold medalist, moderate the discussion. "I would like to offer you a peace summit, moderated by my friend @Caitlyn_Jenner. I’ve already spoken with her, and she’s in," Freedom wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
He expressed a desire for an open and respectful conversation, stating, "Let’s sit across the table from each other, have an open and respectful conversation, and address the questions millions of people are asking." Freedom suggested that if the WNBA "truly believe[s] in your position, you should have no problem defending it publicly."
The proposal comes amid a heightened debate within the WNBA regarding its policy on transgender athletes. The controversy gained significant attention following comments made by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who stated she wants to "protect young girls" from "biological men." Freedom's declaration for the WNBA Draft is seen as a move to bypass the league's current transgender athlete policy.
Freedom was recently ejected from a WNBA game after a courtside exchange with Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud while wearing a t-shirt. He later discussed the incident on Fox News.
Caitlyn Jenner has also weighed in on the WNBA's transgender athlete controversy, criticizing what she called the league's "hypocrisy." Jenner, who transitioned in 2015, has advocated for protecting women's sports and has supported restrictions on transgender athletes participating in women's competitions.
Freedom characterized himself as a "peacemaker" and stated that the league has become a "laughingstock" due to the ongoing drama. He urged the WNBA to "stop hiding behind closed-door meetings, excuses, and delays and finally give the public a clear answer."