Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom claims he's declaring his eligibility for next year's WNBA draft as debate over the league's transgender policy has been in the spotlight recently.

"After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect," the towering 6'10" centre said in a social media post.

After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines,
I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect.

If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.

My team and I have… pic.twitter.com/msncUZUT1J

— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 7, 2026

"If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA," the former New York Knicks and Boston Celtics star said. 

Freedom said he and his team had "examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion," reaching the conclusion that he was eligible for the league's upcoming draft, to be held in April 2027.

The league's transgender policy has been widely discussed following made by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham during an interview with ESPN. 

"I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," Cunningham said in the July remarks.

Divisions on the issue within the league have since followed, with Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries telling the media she didn't think it was "a problem" and would "welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime."

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also made her feelings on the topic clear, wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt during a game against Cunningham's Fever.

Born in Switzerland to Turkish parents, Freedom changed his name after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021, shifting Kanter, his original last name, to his middle name.

His social media post about entering the WNBA draft isn't the first time he's waded into the league's gender debate. In 2023, Freedom asked whether he should "put on a wig, identify as a woman and start dominating the WNBA" during an interview with Fox News Digital, telling the outlet at the time he was trying to make a point.

"I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions. I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices," said in the video.

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