Yet another headline-worthy story that has to do with the WNBA has hit the timeline… and this time, it includes a former NBA star looking to join the women’s league to prove a point.
Regardless of if you are a WNBA fan or not, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the latest drama out of the league. It all started when Indiana Fever forward, Sophie Cunningham, came out in an interview and said she was against biological men playing women sports.
In response, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a “Trans Kids Belong” t-shirt while coaching a game against the Indiana Fever. It was an undoubtable protest to Cunningham’s comments:
That right there is Cheryl Reeve – the head coach of a women’s basketball team – basically suggesting that she would be okay with biological men playing in the WNBA.
Many have criticized the Minnesota Lynx head coach for the protest (including Stephen A. Smith), but others like Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, said she would welcome a trans athlete on her team or against her.
Well, she might get a chance to “welcome” one…
Now, a former NBA star and former first round pick is attempting to really put the WNBA in a sticky situation. Since certain high-profile individuals and players in the W have defended biological men playing in the women’s league, Enes Kanter Freedom has decided to test that stance.
He posted a video to social media announcing he was declaring himself for the 2027 WNBA Draft:
“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 carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.”
Kanter Freedom has already been blackballed by the NBA for his political activism… why not go ahead and see if he can ruffle some feathers over at the WNBA too?
The former NBA player (who hasn’t played in the professional league since 2022 after he was waived by the Houston Rockets) says he and his team have looked over all of the WNBA’s requirements for eligibility, and it appears everything is a go for Kanter Freedom to play in the W.
That is if a WNBA franchise is willing to welcome the circus and drama that could come with signing a biological male to a women’s team. Kanter Freedom says he’s not trying to mock or disrespect anyone through these efforts… he’s just testing how far the WNBA will actually go:
“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. I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.
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.”
Your move WNBA…
