Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom announced Friday that he is declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, a stunt critics dismissed as political theater aimed at inflaming the debate over transgender athletes in women's basketball. In a video posted to X, Freedom said his circle had "carefully examined the WNBA's eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion." "Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027," he said. Since then, Fever coach Stephanie White, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase have voiced support for more inclusive policies. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck offered a more theatrical take, writing on X: "Introducing your next WNBA MVP: Miss Enes Kanter.