Ex-NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has claimed he is officially declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2027

Ex-NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has claimed he is officially declaring for the WNBA Draft in 2027 amid the ongoing debate surrounding transgender inclusion in sports. Freedom, who stands at 6ft 10in and played in the NBA for 11 seasons, shared the announcement with his fans through a post on social media on Friday afternoon. In a video, the former New York Knicks and Boston Celtics star said: '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. '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.' The 34-year-old was previously picked third overall at the 2011 NBA Draft, before enjoying a career that took him to the Jazz, Thunder, Knicks, Trail Blazers and Celtics. He has not played a professional game since 2022. Freedom's post quickly went viral on social media as a number of political commentators threw their support behind the NBA veteran and his decision. Riley Gaines was among those to respond to the post, writing: 'Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits'. Similarly, Piers Morgan wrote on X: 'Brilliant… now let’s see how keen the WNBA stars are for men to play in their League.' Clay Travis, meanwhile, who recently offered to pay $10 million to WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces if they can beat a high school boys basketball team of his choosing, wrote: 'Amazing. Well done.' Freedom's declaration comes amid an ongoing culture war within the WNBA, sparked by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham after she said in an interview with ESPN that she wants to 'protect young girls' from 'biological men' in sports. #eneskanter #wnba #womensbasketball #trans