Former NBA Star Enes Kanter Freedom Claims 2027 WNBA Draft Entry Amid Sophie Cunningham Drama [WATCH]

Former Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom says he intends to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, making the announcement just days after Sophie Cunningham’s comments about transgender athletes ignited heated discussion around the league.

Freedom, who is 6 feet 10 inches and 250 pounds, laid out his claim in a video shared Friday on X.

He said the decision followed a review of the current WNBA eligibility guidelines.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

In the clip, Freedom said he reached the decision “after careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines” of the WNBA. He then said he was “officially declaring” himself a prospect for the draft.

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

Freedom was adamant that his announcement was not intended to disparage marginalized communities.

He also denied that he was trying to troll people who opposed the position Cunningham expressed earlier this month.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Cunningham caused a stir when she said biological men should not be permitted to compete against biological women in sports.

Her comments quickly became the center of a broader and increasingly heated conversation surrounding the WNBA.

“I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions,” Freedom said.

“I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices.”

Freedom said he was “simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone” and linked that request to values that he said numerous WNBA players and coaches have publicly supported.

He also indicated that his team was ready to pursue the issue and seek consistent application of the guidelines.

Freedom presented the declaration as a direct test of whether those guidelines would be enforced equally.

“My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles. See you at training camp.”

WATCH:

Freedom’s video quickly attracted significant attention on X.

It recorded more than three million views within its first few hours and soon received support from former college swimmer Riley Gaines.

Gaines has become one of the leading voices in the movement seeking to ban trans participation in women’s sports. She praised Freedom’s announcement in a comment posted with the video.

“Genius,” Gaines wrote. “Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits @EnesFreedom.”

WATCH:

The latest controversy began after Cunningham spoke to ESPN about the issue.

She said that “girls in sport” should “not have to go against biological men,” prompting responses from prominent figures on both sides of the dispute.

Remarks focused on the same subject, including those made by Freedom, have continued generating headlines since Cunningham’s comments.

Some public figures have strongly criticized the Indiana Fever guard, while others have publicly backed her position.

Former United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe publicly criticized Cunningham for her actions this week.

Katie Nolan also slammed Cunningham’s words during an episode of her podcast on July 31.

At the same time, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling has supported Cunningham’s stance.

Politicians including Senator Ted Cruz have also backed the Indiana Fever guard amid the public debate surrounding her remarks.

The WNBA itself has not yet weighed in on the controversy.

However, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association issued a statement Friday addressing its values and the difficult conversations taking place.

The association’s statement read in part, “we embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

It also declared, “We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

The WNBA player’s union the WNBPA has released a statement:

“Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.” pic.twitter.com/QuCZrupihs

— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 7, 2026

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.