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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Getty Images<\/p>\n
Parody or prospect? <\/p>\n
Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom has announced that he is declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, arguing the league’s approach to inclusion<\/a> should make him eligible<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 6-foot-10 star, who averaged<\/a> over 11 points and 7 rebounds a game on over 50% shooting from the field, played for the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers.<\/p>\n Although retired from the NBA since 2022, on Friday, August 7th, Enes took to his social media <\/a>to express interest in a new career move – joining the WNBA. Speaking in a WNBA hoodie, Enes shared that he had reviewed the league’s eligibility framework. He believed he qualified under what he described as its principles surrounding self-declaration and inclusion.<\/p>\n “After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” He continued. “If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA.”<\/p>\n He stated that he and his team had “carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion,” concluding that he was eligible to declare for the April 2027 draft, insisting his announcement was not intended as an attack on transgender people.<\/p>\n “I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices. I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone\u2014the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.”<\/p>\n And ended with a statement directed toward the WNBA:<\/p>\n “My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception… See you at training camp.”<\/p>\n The post immediately spread across social media, so much so that a second former NBA player, Royce White, said he was declaring himself eligible<\/a> for the 2027 WNBA draft.<\/p>\n TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 21: Royce White #30 of the Houston Rockets poses for a portrait during the 2012 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at the MSG Training Center on August 21, 2012 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and\/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Getty Images<\/p>\n What The WNBA’s Rules Actually Say<\/strong><\/p>\n Enes’s position depends on his interpretation of the league’s policies – and that interpretation may not be in his favor.<\/p>\n For one, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement<\/a> states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” While the agreement also contains broad anti-discrimination provisions, it does not establish that self-declaration alone determines eligibility, nor does it contain a policy outlining eligibility criteria for transgender athletes.<\/p>\n Recently, French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart<\/a> has drawn international attention after showcasing her powerhouse skills. <\/p>\n Monaco Basket Association (MBA)’s player Julie Tetart poses at the Gymnase de l’Annonciade in Monaco on May 1, 2026. The transgender player has been one of the standout performers in the French LF2 second division this season, helping Monaco finish fifth and reach the quarterfinals of the playoffs. (Photo by Valery HACHE \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n This leads to the question: what defines a woman? A seemingly simple question that became the centerpiece of the 2022 documentary \u201cWhat Is A Woman?<\/a>\u201d in which political commentator Matt Walsh asks that question to many people to garner reactions, as well as looking into the history and modern debate around gender identity.<\/p>\n But a declaration does not itself place Enes in the WNBA draft pool. He would still have to satisfy the league’s formal eligibility requirements and draft procedures.<\/p>\n Players Are On Both Sides Of The Debate<\/strong><\/p>\n Enes’ announcement arrives just days after another high-profile debate surrounding Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, whose comments opposing transgender participation<\/a> in women’s sports ignited widespread discussion across the league.<\/p>\n Several prominent WNBA players and coaches have publicly expressed support for transgender inclusion<\/a>, while Cunningham has argued that women’s sports should remain reserved for biological females.<\/p>\n INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JUNE 22: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever points during the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Getty Images<\/p>\n