A former NBA player has sent social media into a frenzy after declaring himself eligible for the WNBA draft, in a move that has caused debate over the league’s eligibility rules and how they are applied.

The announcement has left plenty of fans questioning how such a declaration could even be possible under the current framework. The claim, posted on X, leans on the WNBA’s self-identification guidelines and argues that if simply declaring who you are is enough to qualify, then every requirement has technically been met.

It’s a stunt that has quickly snowballed into a broader conversation about consistency within the league’s governance structure.

Enes Kanter Freedom Declares For WNBA Draft

The player behind the announcement is Enes Kanter Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran, who confirmed he’s declaring for the April 2027 WNBA draft. He pointed to the self-identification rules and what he described as a lack of a public definition for women, as the basis for his eligibility.

Freedom was keen to stress that mockery wasn’t the intention behind the post, adding: “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 the full post on X below:

Reaction To Enes Kanter Freedom’s WNBA Declaration

The post has since been amplified by high-profile figures including Riley Gaines and Benny Johnson, with the latter offering legal backing should the league attempt to block Freedom’s declaration.

Some observers on social media have framed the situation as a test of consistency, questioning whether the WNBA can defend its self-identification rules without applying them to Freedom too. Others have dismissed the declaration entirely, arguing it’s a bad-faith stunt designed to mock the league’s policies rather than genuinely test them.

The WNBA has not yet issued a response to Freedom’s declaration, and it remains to be seen whether the league will address the situation directly or attempt to clarify its eligibility criteria in light of the growing attention.

The Premier League season is right around the corner, but an Arsenal player has been left facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after confirming he ruptured his ACL during pre-season, delivering a cruel blow just hours after what should have been one of the proudest moments of his career.

The player had been thrust into first-team action against Real Betis, coming off the bench at right-back for the start of the second half, only to be forced off again just ten minutes later and replaced by Theo Julienne.

Every Arsenal fan’s worst fears have now been confirmed, with the injury now set to derail any hopes of him securing Premier League minutes, or even a loan move for the season ahead.

Arsenal Midfielder Confirms ACL Injury

via Reuters

The player in question is 19-year-old Louie Copley, the Arsenal Under-21s midfielder, who took to Instagram to reveal the extent of his injury. Copley, usually deployed in midfield, had been asked to fill in at right-back against the La Liga side, before being withdrawn.The youngester wrote:

Louie Copley’s Breakthrough Pre-Season With Arsenal

Before the setback, Copley had been enjoying a promising run in Arsenal’s pre-season programme. He’d already featured at right-back before, in the Gunners’ opening friendly against Girona.

He caught the eye with several forward-thinking contributions down the right flank, offering something far different to their usual crop of full-backs: Jurien Timber, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ben White, who have all been nurtured into the position from centre-back since arriving at the club.

The Englishman spent the second half of last season out on loan at Crawley Town and had previously tasted first-team involvement with the Gunners when he was named among the substitutes for Arsenal’s clash with Club Brugge.

At youth level, Copley has been a regular fixture for the Under-21s and has frequently worn the captain’s armband, underlining the leadership qualities that have marked him out as one to watch within the academy setup.

Manchester United are still chasing a third midfield signing and could turn to Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams to complete their rebuild in the middle of the park.

Adams’ stock has grown during his time at the Vitality, and he was a standout performer for the USA at this summer’s World Cup. He played a key role in the Cherries’ Europa League qualification last season and has several clubs eyeing his signature.

United are believed to be one of them as they explore the market to further overhaul Michael Carrick’s midfield. It’s gone quiet on the transfer front since Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arrived in July.

Man Utd Eyeing Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams

Adams is reportedly on United’s radar and they are one of several Premier League clubs showing interest in the American. Dylan McBennett of Attacking Football claims that Liverpool are also admirers and he is expected to cost a ‘very reasonable fee’.

McBennett wrote:

The 27-year-old’s name has been mentioned before as a potential option for the Red Devils. Formerly of rivals Leeds United, he’s impressed in the top-flight and might be viewed as an ideal rotational squad member.

Adams’ former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola could prove problematic in the race for the versatile midfielder. Now at Liverpool, he gave a glowing assessment last season:

GIVEMESPORT’s senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs has already claimed that Adams would be interested in a move to Old Trafford. He also suggested that the player is expected to cost at least £50 million, which isn’t quite as attractive a fee as the initial report indicated.

Stats courtesy of StatMuse – correct as of 07/08/2026

Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

With Fabrizio Romano previously suggesting a move for Aurelien Tchouameni is ruled out, especially now with Rodri choosing Barcelona over Real Madrid and long-term target Carlos Baleba suffering an injury, time is running out for United to make a third midfield signing. Replacing Casemiro was the priority heading into the summer, and Santos is deemed a long-term successor to his fellow Brazilian.

Man Utd Are Failing Carrick

via Reuters

INEOS were initially praised for showing patience but fans are starting to become frustrated at the lack of transfer activity. With just two weeks until the new season begins, many expected Carrick to be heavily backed.

Tielemans’ deal came out of nowhere after the club triggered a £35 million release clause in his contract with Aston Villa. The Belgian is an exciting acquisition and follows Santos, who arrived from Chelsea for £50 million.

United were expected to mark a return to the Champions League by swooping for a marquee midfielder. Tchouameni had been a dream signing for INEOS but it became clear as the window progressed that he intended to stay and sign a new deal with Madrid.

It’s not just another midfielder that Carrick obviously needs, as a new left-back and striker should also be on the agenda. They have learned that Newcastle United won’t be selling Lewis Hall, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look elsewhere.

Man United transfer targets

Should no more signings be made, there will certainly be questions asked of the Old Trafford transfer chiefs. It’s quite astonishing that more money was spent on Ruben Amorim, who missed out on Europe, than there is to help Carrick build on a third-place finish.