Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has officially declared his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, a move that escalates pressure on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert amid a contentious debate over transgender athlete participation.
Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and stands 6 feet 10 inches tall, announced on Monday afternoon that he has submitted official paperwork to join the draft pool. This announcement follows his earlier declaration on Friday, where he stated he had reviewed the league's eligibility guidelines.
In a letter allegedly sent to Engelbert, Freedom stated, "Please accept this formal document as my official written notification to the Women's National Basketball Association of my voluntary decision to enter the player pool for the 2027 WNBA Draft." He cited league collective bargaining agreement articles regarding age and eligibility.
Freedom shared the letter on social media, accompanied by a video. "It's officially official. I just declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft in April. Join me in this journey," he said. He also asserted, "If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."
The WNBA has faced increased scrutiny regarding transgender athletes in recent weeks, particularly after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced her desire to "protect young girls" from "biological men."
In response to the growing controversy, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to WNBA teams on Friday. The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, indicated that the league will continue to prioritize "preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition."
"I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women's basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention," Engelbert wrote. She outlined that the league approaches the topic thoughtfully and respectfully, emphasizing that player eligibility rules are collectively bargained.
The memo also stated that a task force of team presidents and general managers would discuss the issue further at an upcoming meeting. Engelbert noted that the league's collective bargaining agreement stipulates that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but lacks specific language on gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
The WNBA players' association released a statement on Friday, advocating for diversity and inclusion while asserting the group "will not be used as political pawns." The statement affirmed the union's commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion, and condemned the "hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people."
Some WNBA figures have publicly supported transgender athletes, including Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who has called it a "human rights issue."
Freedom's declaration comes shortly after former NBA player Royce White also declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft, in what appears to be a parallel demonstration. Freedom, 34, has not played professionally since 2022.