Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA first-round draft pick, has declared for next year’s WNBA Draft. He made his intentions clear by officially sending a letter to the league, which he also shared on social media, asserting that “rules are rules.” The letter states:
Please accept this formal document as my official written notification to the Women’s National Basketball Association of my voluntary decision to enter the player pool for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Consistent with the current league collective bargaining agreement, I am submitting this notice to exercise my draft rights and to affirm that I am at least twenty-two years old and that I have no remaining intercollegiate eligibility, as required by Article XIII, Section 1(b).I request that the WNBA League Office verify receipt of this document and direct any future communications to my personal email address listed above. Thank you for your official processing of my registration into the 2027 draft pool.
Kanter’s declaration follows similar actions by Royce White, another ex-NBA player, highlighting ongoing tensions within the WNBA. This development comes amid controversy involving Sophie Cunningham and her comments on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Cunningham expressed her belief in safeguarding young girls in sports, which has ignited debates and protests during Fever games.
The ongoing discussion intensified when Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a “Trans kids belong” shirt at a game against Cunningham and the Fever. The WNBA has responded by releasing a statement that emphasizes the league’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while rejecting hate and abuse. The league stated:
To everyone who loves this game: The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles, and opinions. We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. These values unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, 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.
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham was involved in an altercation during a recent game against the Chicago Sky. DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky committed a Flagrant 2 foul against Cunningham, leading to her ejection. Following the incident, Cunningham referenced “White privilege” on social media, prompting further discussions.
The league is set to decide on potential disciplinary actions for Carrington, alongside addressing Kanter’s draft declaration. These events reflect ongoing challenges facing the WNBA concerning inclusion and political issues within the sport.