Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has responded to reports claiming the WNBA has ruled him ineligible to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom announced his intention to enter the draft, a move that has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports.
Reports surfaced on Monday indicating that the WNBA informed outlets that Freedom, along with fellow former NBA player Royce White, would not be permitted to play in the women's league. This news followed an incident on Sunday where Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game after a heated exchange with Chicago Sky player Natasha Cloud.
During a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, Cloud approached Freedom, who was seated courtside, leading to a verbal confrontation. Security intervened to separate the two.
Freedom, speaking with Fox News on Monday, addressed the reports of his ineligibility. "Listen, Article 13 Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, then you are allowed to play! I identify as a woman, so yes, I can play," Freedom stated. He added, "They're terrified because I might actually get drafted and play against their big men. I'm probably going to drop 60 points."
A WNBA representative, according to Front Office Sports, commented on the situation, stating the league is "not going to give oxygen to efforts designed to mock the league or use this topic to demean and marginalize others."