Hot Takes: Hilarity Ensues After Former NBA Player Enes Kanter Declares for the WNBA

As we've reported, the WNBA seems hellbent on self-destruction in the aftermath of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham standing up for protecting women's sports from the invasion of transgender athletes.

"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" Cunningham told ESPN in a recent interview. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."

The result is that Cunningham and some of her fans have been subjected to hate and harassment at games, with several female WNBA coaches getting in on the action by yada yadaing about how sports is supposedly all about "inclusiveness" when in reality, that's not even close to true.

The drama and backlash got even more ridiculous when Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said this week that she'd welcome a transgender player on her team or on an opposing team:

Gabby Williams speaks on trans athletes in the WNBA

(via gabbywilliams/ig) pic.twitter.com/q2djZrAIuP
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) August 7, 2026

WNBA star Gabby Williams: “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.”
pic.twitter.com/XYGxeWrIZo
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) August 7, 2026

Williams' statement may or may not have been the tipping point for former NBA player Enes Kanter, who on Friday afternoon announced he was declaring himself for the WNBA draft:

Former NBA Draft first round pick (3rd overall in 2011) Enes Kanter Freedom, who has been an adamant opponent of LeBron James, the Chinese Communist Party, Nike, along with more political activism, which he believes blackballed him from the NBA, has officially declared himself a prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Yes, I’m serious.

Here's what he wrote on X:

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 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.
I know my presence on the court will stir up strong opinions.
I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices.
I’m simply asking that the current rules be applied equally to everyone — the rules that represent the very values many WNBA players and coaches have publicly advocated for.
My team and I are prepared to ensure these guidelines are applied equally, consistently, and without exception, and I look forward to the #WNBA honoring its stated principles.
See you at training camp.

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

Kanter's announcement drew some hilarious and spot-on reactions to the larger point Kanter was trying to make:

Genius. Perfect. Waiting to see which WNBA team recruits @EnesFreedom. https://t.co/3Qv9W5nXGr
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 7, 2026

Introducing your next WNBA MVP: Miss Enes Kanter. She’s brave, strong and ready to ball. The @WNBA will of course start a bidding war for the best talent they’ve ever had… right? They definitely mean it when they say there’s no athletic difference and bio men must play… right? https://t.co/UX1hYiYAWo
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 7, 2026

Brilliant… now let’s see how keen the @WNBA stars are for men to play in their League. https://t.co/upY2bdhoID
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 7, 2026

Any WNBA team that refuses to draft Enes Kanter is not actually committed to winning. https://t.co/6VsHkEwEJP
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) August 7, 2026

At this rate, there seems no reason I can’t try out for the Kentucky Derby, not of course as a jockey, but rather as a horse. I’ve long identified with horses, and I guess that’s an adequate qualification for me to be one. https://t.co/JUYSSTzpya
— Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) August 7, 2026

I am so excited to see how truly inclusive and welcoming you have become! Can’t wait to see Ms. Enes on a team! https://t.co/qya2q2Uxnv
— BBallMom🇺🇸 (@boss_lady567) August 7, 2026

Time to put up or shut up, WNBA. Your move.

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