Enes Kanter Freedom declares for WNBA Draft amid backlash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 7:35 PM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
Enes Kanter Freedom announced his intention to declare for the WNBA Draft scheduled for April 2027. His declaration comes as the WNBA sees significant growth in viewership and attendance, with plans for expansion to 18 teams. Despite the league’s advancement, Kanter’s comments sparked outrage among fans and players, who accused him of using the announcement to promote a political agenda. The WNBA Players Association condemned such actions, reiterating their commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The controversy highlights ongoing debates regarding eligibility and inclusion in women’s sports.
- •Kanter announces WNBA Draft intention for April 2027
- •WNBA planning expansion to 18 teams
- •Fans express outrage over Kanter's motives
- •WNBA Players Association condemns political co-opting
- •League experiences record growth in viewership and attendance
- 7:35 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Irrelevant washed loser’: Enes Kanter Freedom sparks outrage by declaring for WNBA Draft
"The WNBA is hitting record numbers in both television and attendance, culminating in things such as a transformational new collective bargaining agreement for players, chartered planes, and more roster spots, with plans to expand to 18 teams by 2020, up from 12 in 2024. Unfortunately, the massive surge in popularity has also brought with it…
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