Enes Kanter Freedom declares himself an eligible WNBA prospect

Amid controversy surrounding who can and should play in the Women's National Basketball Association, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has declared himself to be an eligible prospect. The announcement challenges the assertions of WNBA coaches and some players who say that trans women, also known as men, should be able to compete on women's sports teams. 

In a video, Freedom said "after careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I am 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 May 2027," he continued.

"I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect and community or personal choices. I am simply asking that the current rules be equally applied to everyone, the rules that represent the very values that 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."

Freedom's proposition could force those coaches and players who say that men should be included on women's teams, or that these men who claim to be women are really women, put their money where their mouths are. Players have said they would welcome trans players on their teams and a trans woman who plays in a French women's basketball league has already said that he would welcome the opportunity to play for the WNBA.

If they truly believe that a man can become a woman just by saying he is, or that men who say they are women were always women, then they would have to accept that Freedom is eligible to play. And given his experience in the NBA, he is clearly more than qualified. Clay Travis has said that he woul pay $10 million if a WNBA team would take up his offer to compete against a men's high school basketball team.

The latest controversy was sparked when Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham stated her belief that only women should play on women's teams, citing the importance of sports for young girls as well. Her belief, as is that of many women athletes including Riley Gaines and Martina Navritalova, is that women and girls have the right to compete on an equal playing field.

Men, by definition, are typically stronger, faster, and bigger than women. While there are exceptions, men who have competed against women in boxing, wrestling, rugby, volleyball, soccer, biking, and other sports have trounced their female opponents. There is no doubt that Freedom would do the same were he to take a his (her?) rightful place on a WNBA team.