3 weeks ago
Kanter Freedom, Royce White declare for 2027 WNBA Draft
Enes Kanter Freedom is a very tall former basketball player who once played for the Boston Celtics.
He made a video on X saying he wants to join the WNBA, the women's professional basketball league.
He said that if the WNBA only requires a player to declare who they are, then he meets every rule.
Another former NBA player, Royce White, said he wants to declare for the same draft and now identifies as transgender for basketball.
This all happened after WNBA player Sophie Cunningham said that 'girls in sport' should not have to play against biological men.
Her comment started a big debate about transgender athletes in women's sports.
The WNBA's rules say only women are eligible to play and do not have a detailed policy for transgender athletes.
Freedom says he is not trying to make fun of anyone and just wants the rules applied equally to everyone.
Millions of people watched his video in just a few hours.
Some people, like former swimmer Riley Gaines, praised the announcement as 'Genius,' but the WNBA has not said anything yet.
Former Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom announced in a video on X that he is declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying he meets the league's eligibility requirements if self-declaring is all that is required.
Former first-round NBA draft pick Royce White said he plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, telling Fox News he now identifies as transgender for the purpose of professional basketball.
The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement states that 'only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA' and contains no detailed policy for transgender athletes.
The announcements came days after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham told ESPN that 'girls in sport' should not have to go against biological men.
Riley Gaines called the move 'Genius,' the WNBPA said it will not be used as 'political pawns,' and the WNBA has not publicly commented.
- Who
- Enes Kanter Freedom, former Boston Celtics center and No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and Royce White, former first-round NBA draft pick; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, whose comments sparked the debate.
- What
- Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced they are entering the 2027 WNBA Draft, citing self-declaration and inclusion rules, amid a heated debate over transgender athletes in women's sports.
- Where
- Online — the announcement was posted on X and reported via Fox News, concerning the WNBA and its teams.
- When
- Kanter Freedom announced on Friday in a video posted to X; White's announcement followed, days after Sophie Cunningham's recent comments to ESPN.
- Why
- To press the WNBA to apply its eligibility guidelines equally, following Cunningham's comments about transgender athletes in women's sports that ignited a wider public debate.
Pro-Inclusion Camp
Women's Sports Protection Camp
Transgender participation in women's sports
Pro-Inclusion Camp
Megan Rapinoe publicly criticised Sophie Cunningham's comments, and other WNBA players and coaches have publicly supported transgender inclusion; the WNBPA said it embraces 'justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.'
Women's Sports Protection Camp
Sophie Cunningham told ESPN that 'girls in sport' should not have to go against biological men and argued women's basketball should remain reserved for biological females; Riley Gaines, an advocate for restricting transgender participation in women's sports, praised the declaration as 'Genius.'
Kanter Freedom's draft declaration
Pro-Inclusion Camp
Freedom says the announcement is not meant to mock, make fun of or disrespect any community; he is simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone.
Women's Sports Protection Camp
Riley Gaines called the move 'Genius' and 'Perfect,' saying she is waiting to see which WNBA team recruits him, treating it as a pointed challenge to the league's policies.
Interpretation of WNBA eligibility rules
Pro-Inclusion Camp
Freedom argues that the same principles of self-declaration and inclusion that the league and many of its players have supported should open the door for him to compete.
Women's Sports Protection Camp
Critics note the CBA states 'only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,' that the official language does not appear to support self-declaration alone deciding eligibility, and that a public declaration does not automatically place anyone in the draft pool.
Key facts
- Announced by
- Enes Kanter Freedom, former Boston Celtics center (6-foot-10, 250 pounds)
- Also declaring
- Royce White, former first-round NBA pick (No. 16 overall, Houston Rockets, 2012) and Iowa State star
- Target
- 2027 WNBA Draft
- Video views
- More than 3 million within the first few hours on X
- WNBA eligibility rule
- CBA states 'only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA'; no detailed policy for transgender athletes
- Catalyst
- Sophie Cunningham's comments to ESPN opposing transgender participation in women's sports
- Reactions
- Riley Gaines called it 'Genius'; Megan Rapinoe criticised Cunningham; Katie Nolan addressed the remarks on her podcast on 31 July
- League and union response
- No public statement from the WNBA so far; WNBPA said it embraces 'justice, equity, diversity and inclusion' and will not be used as 'political pawns'
Quotes
Enes Kanter Freedom
Former Boston Celtics center and activist
“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.”
livemint.com
“"After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I'm officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect."”
livemint.com
Sources
Transgender Athlete Drama Intensifies! Former NBA Player Royce White Makes Stunning WNBA Draft Declaration After Enes Kanter Freedom's Announcement
Trans inclusion in focus as Enes Kanter Freedom says he’s entering the WNBA Draft after Sophie Cunningham drama
Royce White joins Enes Kanter Freedom to declare for 2027 WNBA draft citing self-declaration rules
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