Enes Freedom declares for 2027 WNBA Draft as a trans woman
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 3:34 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
Former NBA player Enes Freedom announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, sparking debate over the league's eligibility rules for transgender athletes. His declaration follows controversial comments made by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who expressed opposition to allowing transgender women to compete against cisgender women. Freedom argued that he meets the WNBA's eligibility criteria, prompting reactions from former ESPN figures and WNBA players regarding the importance of clear rules for inclusivity. The WNBA has yet to officially clarify its policies regarding transgender athletes, raising questions about how it will address Freedom's intent amid ongoing discussions within the league.
- •Enes Freedom declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
- •Sophie Cunningham criticized the inclusion of transgender athletes.
- •Freedom argues he meets eligibility criteria under current rules.
- •The WNBA has not clarified its stance on the issue.
- •Debate on transgender inclusion continues within the league.
- 3:34 PMBBC Sport — The transgender row surrounding the WNBA
- 3:34 PMBBC News — WNBA transgender row: Sophie Cunningham and Enes Kanter Freedom speak out - BBC
- 3:18 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Let the Real Women Hoop’ — 9-Year NBA Veteran Makes Feelings Clear on Trans-Athlete Controversy After Enes Kanter Declares for WNBA Draft
- 2:53 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-ESPN Stars Make Feelings Clear on 11-Year NBA Veteran Declaring for WNBA Draft As a Trans Woman
"The WNBA’s heated debate over transgender athletes took an unexpected turn Friday when former NBA veteran Enes Freedom declared his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom’s announcement immediately put the league’s eligibility rules under even more scrutiny, particularly after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham faced fierce criticism for saying that “biological men” should not compete against women.
"The issue of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports has become a hot-button topic in the WNBA after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out against it, apparently to protect her fellow female athletes from the unfair advantages. The sports world’s reaction to the matter has been deeply divided, with some siding with Cunningham and others opposing her position.
"After the Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham said it was "common sense" to ban transgender women from women's sports, a row has emerged in the WNBA - with former NBA players saying eligibility rules mean they can enter the 2027 Draft.
Sources
External links- BBC SportAug 10, 2026, 3:34 PMThe transgender row surrounding the WNBA
After the Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham said it was "common sense" to ban transgender women from women's sports, a row has emerged in the WNBA - with former NBA players saying eligibility rules mean they can enter the 2027 Draft.
- BBC NewsAug 10, 2026, 3:34 PMWNBA transgender row: Sophie Cunningham and Enes Kanter Freedom speak out - BBC
After the Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham said it was "common sense" to ban transgender women from women's sports, a row has emerged in the WNBA - with former NBA players saying eligibility rules mean they can enter the 2027 Draft.
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 3:18 AM‘Let the Real Women Hoop’ — 9-Year NBA Veteran Makes Feelings Clear on Trans-Athlete Controversy After Enes Kanter Declares for WNBA Draft
The issue of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports has become a hot-button topic in the WNBA after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out against it, apparently to protect her fellow female athletes from the unfair advantages. The sports world’s reaction to the matter has been deeply divided, with some siding with Cunningham and others opposing her position.
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 2:53 AMEx-ESPN Stars Make Feelings Clear on 11-Year NBA Veteran Declaring for WNBA Draft As a Trans Woman
The WNBA’s heated debate over transgender athletes took an unexpected turn Friday when former NBA veteran Enes Freedom declared his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom’s announcement immediately put the league’s eligibility rules under even more scrutiny, particularly after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham faced fierce criticism for saying that “biological men” should not compete against women.
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