Enes Kanter Freedom commended the WNBA’s athletes but criticized the league’s leadership following a historic Game 7. His comments came after the Golden State Valkyries won their first championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 at Chase Center in San Francisco. This marks the Valkyries’ first championship in their second season, with Gabby Williams scoring 30 points in the first-ever Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.
Freedom expressed pride in the players saying, “I’m so proud of all these hardworking, talented women who have dedicated their lives to basketball. They deserve all the recognition, respect, and support in the world.”
However, he voiced his concerns about the league’s leadership, stating, “I just wish they had better leadership, because the conversation should be about their incredible performances on the court, not controversies off it. My hope is that next year we can finally have some peace and let basketball be the focus again. But if not, I’ll see you ladies at the 2027 WNBA Draft. Rules are rules!”
Freedom announced his intention to enter the 2027 draft, identifying as a woman and arguing that the league’s eligibility criteria permit his participation. Despite this, the WNBA has deemed him ineligible.
In response to Republican lawmakers questioning the league’s eligibility standards, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert affirmed that “only women are eligible to play in the WNBA” and identified Freedom as a man. This followed an inquiry by Rep. Marlin Stutzman seeking clarification about the league’s definition of “women.” The WNBA’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement specifies eligibility for women players but lacks a policy for transgender women.
Freedom stated he would abandon his campaign if the league explicitly restricts eligibility to biological women.
The issue ties back to Gabby Williams, who led the Valkyries to victory. Williams supported transgender athletes earlier this year, expressing willingness to have a trans athlete on her team. Freedom cited her comments as motivation for his draft bid.
Freedom’s campaign led to a confrontation with arena officials at the WNBA Finals. He departed State Farm Arena on Oct. 21 after disputing a requirement to watch Game 3 from a private suite instead of his purchased seat. Video footage showed officials offering the suite for his safety, a move supported by State Farm Arena, which cited additional security measures.
Freedom insisted on sitting in his reserved seat. An arena representative noted he declined the suite intended for his safety.
Earlier in the season, the Chicago Sky banned Freedom from home games after an incident with Natasha Cloud. Sky owner Michael Alter defended the decision, citing safety concerns due to Freedom’s actions during the exchange with Cloud.
Freedom’s recent critique coincides with an impending leadership change, as Commissioner Engelbert announced her retirement at the end of 2026 after more than seven years. Freedom’s stance indicates he plans to continue challenging the issue as the league transitions to a new commissioner and prepares for the 2027 season.
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