Enes Kanter Freedom has explained his decision to declare for the WNBA Draft, arguing that he is simply following the league’s current eligibility rules.

During an appearance with Laura Ingraham, the former NBA center said, “I am identifying as a woman and I should be allowed to play.”

Freedom maintained that his declaration is intended to challenge the WNBA over how it determines eligibility.

“I’m just following the rules,” he said.

His comments come as the league faces increased scrutiny over its eligibility standards.

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that only women may play in the league, while its publicly available language does not specifically define eligibility based on gender identity.

Freedom’s interview came one night after he was removed from the Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game at Wintrust Arena following a heated courtside exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.

Despite reports that Freedom and Royce White have been deemed ineligible for the 2027 WNBA draft, Freedom has continued to challenge the league over the issue.