Enes Freedom, a former NBA centre and outspoken basketball figure, has announced his intention to enter the WNBA draft for 2027. The 34-year-old says he is seeking to test the league’s eligibility rules and has indicated that he is prepared to pursue legal action if his application is rejected. Freedom, who has a decorated NBA resume, appears determined to make a comeback to the sport.
Enes Freedom Announces WNBA Prospect Status
Freedom made the announcement in a statement, saying he had reviewed the WNBA’s eligibility framework before declaring himself a prospect for the April 2027 draft.
“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect.”
He added that his team had examined the league’s rules and said he believed he met the requirements under its current framework. Freedom also stressed that he did not intend to ridicule or disrespect anyone through the move.
“I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone.”
Freedom has also said the America First Policy Institute would represent him legally if he is not permitted to participate.
After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines,
I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect.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… pic.twitter.com/msncUZUT1J
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) August 7, 2026
Who Is Enes Freedom? NBA Career And Achievements
Born on May 20, 1992, Enes Freedom is a 6-foot-10 former NBA centre who entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He spent 11 seasons in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics.
According to NBA records, Freedom played 748 regular-season games, averaging 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His career-best performances included 33 points in a game against Portland in 2016 and a career-high 30 rebounds against Detroit in 2021.
His strongest scoring season came in 2018-19, when he averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds across his spells with New York and Portland. Freedom’s NBA career ended after the 2021-22 season, making his proposed WNBA bid a highly unusual potential return to professional basketball.
