League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Transactions

Enes Kanter Freedom claims more ex-NBA players may join WNBA Draft

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 10:21 AM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Enes Kanter Freedom claims more ex-NBA players may join WNBA Draft

Summary

Enes Kanter Freedom announced that eight additional former NBA players are considering entering the WNBA Draft. On August 18, 2026, he stated via X that these players are willing to declare themselves as women to meet the league's eligibility criteria, amid ongoing debates about transgender athlete participation. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert formed a task force to address these sensitive issues, acknowledging the complexity surrounding the topic. The situation follows recent comments by WNBA players about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports, indicating that the discussion is evolving and requires careful consideration from the league.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Kanter Freedom claims eight ex-NBA players may join WNBA Draft.
•Players express willingness to declare as women for eligibility.
•WNBA Commissioner Engelbert forms task force on transgender participation.
•WNBA's rules require players to be women but lack clear definitions.
•WNBA players express mixed opinions on transgender inclusion in sports.

Latest Updates

10:21 AMYahoo Sports — Enes Kanter Freedom Claims More Ex-NBA Players Are Ready To Join 2027 WNBA Draft
4:18 AMYahoo Sports — More Ex-NBA Players to Declare for WNBA Draft, Claims Enes Kanter Freedom

What they're saying

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Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom claims that eight more biological males plan to join him and Royce White in the WNBA Draft. The post More Ex-NBA Players to Declare for WNBA Draft, Claims Enes Kanter Freedom appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports