Sophie Cunningham’s comments regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports have kicked up a storm that refuses to die down. From personalities within the community to analysts, political figures, and voices from outside the WNBA, everyone has given their take on Cunningham’s opposition to the idea. In light of the debate, on August 07, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom gave his unique take.

The former Boston Celtics player “officially” declared himself as a prospect for next year’s WNBA draft after “careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines.” However, former Cleveland Browns player-turned-analyst Emmanuel Acho failed to find the humor in Freedom’s declaration for the 2027 WNBA Draft.

“If Enes Kanter wants to actually address the issue, then he should address the issue, but he can’t make a mockery of an issue that’s serious to so many people. That’s what I lose respect for. If you want to address an issue, which is an issue worthy of addressing, address it,” Acho said on the Speakeasy podcast on August 9.

“But when you approach a matter that’s serious to some with a level of being facetious, then now you’re not even respecting where that person is coming from. And if you don’t approach a conversation with respect, then there’s no way to find any sort of common ground. So I simply just don’t respect Enes Kanter’s approach to this matter in general,” Acho added.

“I just don’t respect it because he didn’t approach it with respect. Everything you’re saying, Shady, I, to some degree, can submit to the authority of what you’re saying.”

In his original video, Freedom explained that he didn’t intend to “mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices” and that he and his team had done their due diligence to not violate the WNBA’s existing framework.

“My team and I have 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.”

Although the WNBA is yet to respond to Freedom’s declaration, the Associated Press obtained an internal memo from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. In the memo, the commissioner has confirmed that discussions on transgender participation are planned with players, coaches and the WNBPA.

And there is an underlying caveat. In the WNBA, unlike some other leagues, player eligibility is determined through collective bargaining. 

The current agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” There is no further clarification addressing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. And any change would require negotiation with the Players Association, not a decision Engelbert or the task force could make alone.

Engelbert has, however, mentioned in the memo that the league will “always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league.”

So it remains to be seen what the outcome of this task force and its negotiations will be, and whether it leads to any rule or eligibility change in the WNBA. For now, the controversy rages on.