The former NBA centre Enes Kanter Freedom Declares for 2027 WNBA Draft, sparking an immediate debate over the league’s rules on whether he could be eligible to play. Freedom announced his decision on August 7, saying he and his team examined the WNBA’s current draft eligibility structure and felt he could declare for the draft.
The announcement comes as the debate over transgender athletes participating in women’s professional sports has heated up across the United States.
Ex-NBA Centre Says He Meets Eligibility Criteria
“I just went with my interpretation of what the guidelines are right now,” said Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA. In his announcement he said he believes he qualifies for entering the WNBA draft if self-identification is sufficient under relevant rules.
His announcement has been widely interpreted as less an effort to relaunch his pro basketball career than a challenge to the league’s handling of eligibility.
Making the Move is Unusual in His NBA Career
Freedom was picked third overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz and has since played for a number of NBA franchises, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics.
He last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season. His career included more than a decade of professional basketball experience, making his proposed move to the WNBA particularly unusual.
The WNBA has not verified his eligibility
Freedom’s declaration aside, Freedom has not publicly announced he is eligible for the 2027 draft. As described, the league’s rules suggest there is debate about his interpretation of the eligibility rules.
“So the matter could become a question for the league to deal with officially, if Freedom moves forward with the draft process. His announcement is not without caveats. It does not guaranty he can enter the WNBA draft or play in the league.
Announcement Sparks WNBA Debate
The announcement from Freedom comes amid a growing debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The decision has attracted a lot of notice because of his background as an NBA player and history of outspoken public activism.
A short time later, another former NBA player, Royce White, announced he too intends to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, bringing more attention to the issue.
Sources
- Fox News – Coverage of Enes Kanter Freedom’s claims of eligibility and the 2027 WNBA Draft announcement.
- The Washington Times – Freedom’s Report on himself as a 2027 WNBA prospect and his take on league rules.
- New York Post – Coverage of Freedom’s announcement and the WNBA controversy surrounding it.
