Enes Kanter Freedom continues to stir the boiling pot of controversy across the basketball landscape following his declaration for the 2027 WNBA draft.
The former NBA big man posted a video on social media on August 7, challenging the league’s policies and ambiguity over who is eligible to participate in the drafts.
The Turkish human rights activist argued that if self-declaration is the sole criterion for eligibility, he meets all the requirements. He followed it by sending an official letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Sports World Reacts to Enes Kanter Freedom’s Anthem Pledge As WNBA’s Newest Addition
During Sunday’s matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena, Enes Kanter made waves when he appeared in a black T-shirt printed with the definition of a woman on it. “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” it read.
The former NBA center posted a baseline video from the exact spot where he was later ejected after getting into a heated exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
In the video, Freedom was seen standing with a civilian salute while the American national anthem plays in the background.
”In 2027, as the new face of the WNBA, my first goal will be to encourage every player and every coach to stand for the National Anthem with their hands over their hearts.#LetFreedomPlay,” Freedom proclaimed on X, along with the 1-minute-and-26-second video.
In 2027, as the new face of the @WNBA, my first goal will be to encourage every player and every coach to stand for the National Anthem with their hands over their hearts.🇺🇸#LetFreedomPlay pic.twitter.com/6g375RX7cg
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 23, 2026
The post sent social media into a frenzy, with reactions to Kanter’s anthem declaration split down the middle. While supporters celebrated his political trolling, some critics called it a spectacle.
Conservative advocacy group America First Works simply called him a “Hero.”
Hero 🇺🇸
— America First Works (@America1stWorks) August 23, 2026
One user remarked, “An immigrant that appreciates America? It’s refreshing to see.”
Another user added, “Take notes, American men. Shouldn’t take an immigrant to stand up for American women.”
“My new favorite WNBA player, I can’t wait to see you dunk on Angel Reese,” wrote a fan.
Highlighting the showbiz-worthy drama, a third user posted, “They’re gonna need to write a new HBO series for this level of trolling. Enes is shim!”
“This is so wild. I don’t watch basketball, but I will watch him,” stated a Donald Trump loyalist.
Blasting Kanter’s actions, one critic wrote, “This immigrant, who’s not allowed back to his own country, is just grifting on MAGA like it’s going outta style. And watch all these [expletive] milk it up.”
Voicing security concerns, another critic posted, “You should not be allowed on the floor or that close to the players and coaches. You are a threat.”
You should not be allowed on the floor or that close to the players and coaches. You are a threat.
— Alan Robinson ☮️ (@alanedmund) August 24, 2026
One user tweeted, “If this is your agenda, there’s a men’s league where you were once not the face but instead were a below average player where you can go be performatively patriotic. I’m sure they’ll listen to you and have their hands on their hearts every night. Just cuz you asked.”
Kanter’s bold stance continues to command the spotlight amidst the WNBA’s ongoing culture war surrounding transgender participation in women’s sport, raising questions about fairness and inclusion.
