Soon after getting thrown out of the Sky-Fever game, Enes Kanter Freedom was quick to respond to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league executives’ outright rejection of his public attempt to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Appearing on Fox News, Freedom also rejected their rejection and reiterated his argument that the league’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) technically permits his eligibility based strictly on its language regarding gender identification.
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When asked directly by the host, “Are you a trans woman?” Freedom cited the league’s governing documents to justify his stance:
“Article 13 Section 1 says if you identify as a woman, then you are allowed to play. Sure. I identify as a woman, so yes I can play,” Freedom stated.
The host immediately pushed back, noting, “But they’re never going to let you play.”
The former NBA center countered by insisting he was simply following the policy as written: “Why not? That’s the rule that they put and I’m just following the rules. If they ever come out and say, ‘okay, we are changing the rules,’ I’ll respect their decision. I will, you know follow the rules. But right now, if you identify as a woman, you’re allowed to play and I am identifying as a woman and I’m actually allowed to play. That’s it.”
The WNBA’s actual CBA language under Article XIII, Section 1(a) states: “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”
However, because the document lacks specific language outlining biological sex at birth or formal medical criteria for gender identity, Freedom and former NBA player Royce White declared for the WNBA draft.
League sources, however, later dismissed Freedom and White’s declarations as “simply publicity stunts.” They said neither player is eligible and claimed they won’t allow the “outside pressure or manufactured controversy to dictate” its internal processes or force a response.
Tensions surrounding Freedom’s campaign boiled over on Sunday night when he attended the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game at Wintrust Arena.
Freedom, wearing a shirt that read “woman,” was involved in a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter, which ultimately led to security restraining Freedom and escorting him out of the arena.
The incident unfolded after Cloud scored a basket and pointedly shouted toward Freedom’s courtside seat. Freedom stood up and raised his arms before arena personnel immediately intervened.
As he was led through the lobby, Freedom was captured on video shouting to security, “I’m supporting women, and that is the reason they are kicking me out. That’s unacceptable.”
He later posted on social media, claiming, “I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA! It’s always women hating on other women.”
Cloud, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, later posted a message of solidarity on Threads: “To every trans kid/person, you are a part of MY community & tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are.& you will always be protected by me.” Sky head coach Tyler Marsh defended his veteran guard, stating that opponents and fans coming to games should focus on enjoying basketball rather than creating distractions.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has reaffirmed that external commentators were using the women’s league to “sow divisiveness,” reaffirming that the WNBA will not alter its processes or allow its platform to be manipulated.