Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom plans to attend the upcoming WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever in Chicago, a move that comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes in the league. Freedom has declared himself for the 2027 WNBA Draft and stated he is taking "major security measures" for his attendance at Wintrust Arena.
Freedom's declaration for the draft, shared via video where he signed a document to enter the player pool, follows recent discussions sparked by comments from players like Sophie Cunningham about protecting female athletes. Freedom has framed his WNBA aspirations as a way to test the league's policies, posting a workout video with the hashtag "#LetFreedomPlay."
He has also indicated he has spoken to eight other players who may enter the 2027 draft if the WNBA does not clarify its eligibility standards for transgender athletes. Freedom has publicly questioned the financial implications, stating that male athletes could earn significantly more by identifying as women.
Royce White, another former NBA player and a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, has also declared for the WNBA draft as a transgender player. Freedom has expressed interest in teaming up with WNBA star Caitlin Clark, comparing their potential partnership to a "modern Kobe and Shaq."
Freedom, who is 6-foot-10, last played in the NBA in 2022 after an 11-year career. His actions and statements have drawn backlash from some fans.
The WNBA has addressed the controversy, with a spokesperson stating that the league denounces "bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others." An anti-hate task force meeting found "no immediate eligibility matters affecting" the league.