Enes Kanter Freedom has announced his intention to apply for the position of WNBA commissioner following reports of current Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's planned departure at the end of the season. Kanter, who has been vocal in the debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports, shared his candidacy in a social media video.
"MAKE @WNBA FEMALE AGAIN," Kanter wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Commissioner Freedom Has a Nice Ring to It. While the reported retirement of #WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is a win for women and an admission that the league’s rules must change, her retirement does not solve the systemic issues which must be addressed in order to protect women’s sports."
He further stated, "If the WNBA is unable to define what a woman is, then I, Enes Kanter Freedom, would be more than happy to step in as commissioner and lead this league back to greatness and restore fairness for all women. I’ll bring common sense. I’ll bring fairness. And yes, I’ll bring a dictionary."
Kanter's announcement comes shortly after he filed a federal lawsuit in Illinois. He alleges that the Chicago Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, and the city of Chicago were responsible for his removal from a WNBA game on August 23 at Wintrust Arena. The lawsuit stems from an incident during a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever.
According to Kanter, the altercation occurred late in the third quarter. He stated he was present as a fan to watch the game and was celebrating a successful shot when Sky guard Natasha Cloud confronted him. Kanter claims Cloud began yelling at him, and that he responded by stating he was there to "protect women and support her." He asserts that he then stood up as Cloud approached him, reiterating his stance.
Kanter has become a prominent figure in discussions regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. His actions and statements have drawn both criticism, with some accusing him of seeking attention, and support from those who align with his views on protecting biological women in sports.