Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has officially declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft by submitting a letter to the league. In his letter, Kanter stated, "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." He affirmed that he is at least twenty-two years old and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility, as required by league rules.
Kanter's declaration comes alongside Royce White, another former NBA player, who also announced his intention to enter the WNBA Draft. Their declarations are seen as a response to ongoing discussions about the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports, sparked by comments from WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham expressed her views on protecting young girls in sports, which led to a debate on the inclusion of transgender athletes in the league.
The WNBA has issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating, "Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm." The league is currently facing challenges regarding player conduct and the implications of Kanter's draft declaration.