Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom declares for WNBA draft: 'I meet every requirement necessary'

Former male basketball star Enes Kanter Freedom declared himself Friday as a prospect for the Women's NBA draft next year, stating that he meets "every requirement necessary."

The comment comes as the topic of biological men in women's sports resurfaces, after Indiana Fevers guard Sophie Cunningham made a definitive stance that women’s sports should remain female, prompting backlash.

Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams also recently said that she would "welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team any time." 

Freedom claimed in a social media post that he was not "here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices," but was simply trying to get the WNBA to apply its rules "equally to everyone."

"After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect," Freedom posted on X. "If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA."

Freedom said he has carefully reviewed the WNBA's guidelines and eligibility criteria and found that he met every standard surrounding self-identification and inclusion.

"I  know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions," Freedom said. "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," he continued. "See you at training camp."

The WNBA has not yet commented on Freedom's declaration.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.