Two Former NBA Players Declare Themselves Women, Target WNBA Draft

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has declared his intention to apply for the 2027 WNBA draft, stating he identifies as a woman. In a video released Friday, Freedom claimed to have meticulously reviewed the WNBA's 409-page rulebook. He asserts that while the rules stipulate only women can participate, they do not provide a definition for the term "woman."

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If all it takes is to say who you are, then I meet all the requirements to play in the WNBA.

Wearing a WNBA jersey, Freedom stated, "If all it takes is to say who you are, then I meet all the requirements to play in the WNBA." He emphasized that his intention is not to mock or disrespect any community but to advocate for the consistent application of current rules. "I just ask that the current rules be applied equally to everyone – the rules that reflect the values publicly defended by many WNBA players and coaches," he added.

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I just ask that the current rules be applied equally to everyone – the rules that reflect the values publicly defended by many WNBA players and coaches.

Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and was drafted higher than fellow Lithuanian Jonas Valančiūnas in 2011, last appeared in the league during the 2021-2022 season. He has previously attributed his lack of NBA offers to his activism off the court, particularly his strong criticism of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which led to his Turkish passport being revoked and an arrest warrant issued. He later became a U.S. citizen, adding "Freedom" to his surname, and announced his intention to run for the U.S. Congress in 2028.

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I am transgender. I am a woman. For professional basketball purposes, I sometimes consider myself a woman, so I will also be applying for the 2027 WNBA draft.

Shortly after Freedom's announcement, former NBA player Royce White revealed similar plans. White, drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2012, stated, "I am transgender. I am a woman. For professional basketball purposes, I sometimes consider myself a woman, so I will also be applying for the 2027 WNBA draft." White, who led his college team in all five major statistical categories, believes he would be "unstoppable" but also identifies as a team player. Both players' announcements signal a potential disruption to the WNBA's eligibility landscape.

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I think I would be unstoppable.