The issue of transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports has become a hot-button topic in the WNBA after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out against it, apparently to protect her fellow female athletes from the unfair advantages.
The sports world’s reaction to the matter has been deeply divided, with some siding with Cunningham and others opposing her position. NBA veteran Enes Kanter Freedom added fuel to the fire Friday by announcing on social media that he would declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft after reviewing the league’s guidelines.
However, former NBA guard Brandon Jennings responded to Kanter’s announcement, urging everyone to come to their senses.
Brandon Jennings Shares His Side on Growing Trans-Athlete Controversy, Enes Kanter’s WNBA Declaration
Jennings, who played nine seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards, responded directly to Kanter’s announcement, arguing that the WNBA can thrive with biologically female athletes at its forefront.
“The WNBA is fine the way it is. Let the real women hoop!!!,” Jennings posted.
The WNBA is fine the way it is. Let the real women hoop!!!
— Brandon Jennings (@Tuff__Crowd) August 7, 2026
Jennings’ social media post seemed to hit two birds with one stone, as the NBA veteran reacted to Kanter’s eyebrow-raising announcement that he would declare for the 2027 WNBA draft while urging those in favor of giving trans athletes a chance to play in the WNBA to stand down.
Freedom said he made the decision after careful consideration and a thorough review of the WNBA’s current eligibility rules.
“If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA. My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion,” he said.
Freedom said he understands the consequences of his decision and urged the WNBA leadership to apply the regulations equally to everyone, in line with the values many players and coaches have long advocated.
It is not the first time the NBA veteran has ruffled feathers with his comments. He even suggested he could dominate the WNBA if he put on a wig and presented himself as a woman.
Accepting transgender athletes in the WNBA has sparked debate in recent weeks, not only because of Cunningham’s comments and the reactions of her fellow players. Julie Tétart, a transgender athlete in France’s Ligue 2, welcomed the idea of participating in the WNBA.
