Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player, responded to Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve after she suggested that opposition to transgender athletes in women's sports is part of a broader desire to make transgender people invisible. Freedom rejected Reeve's assertion in a social media post, stating that advocating for the preservation of women's sports does not imply an attack on any community. "Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve should step down immediately. You can’t lead women’s basketball while refusing to stand up for women’s sports," he wrote. He challenged Reeve to demonstrate her commitment to women's sports by drafting him in the 2027 WNBA Draft.
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Reeve's comments followed the Lynx's 86-66 victory over the Indiana Fever, where she wore a 'Trans Kids Belong' shirt. She expressed support for the transgender community and criticized what she views as attacks against them in sports. "It’s really an attack on all transgender community. They don’t want transgender people to exist," she said.
Throughout the season, Reeve has consistently voiced her support for transgender inclusion in sports. She has referred to her gesture of wearing the supportive shirt as one of the most meaningful moments of her season, noting the positive reactions she received from members of the transgender community and their families.
Freedom entered the conversation around transgender participation in sports in August, announcing plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft under the name "Enisa Freedom" to test league eligibility standards, which do not clearly define eligibility by biological sex. He emphasized that his intentions are serious and not meant to mock transgender individuals.
Another former NBA player, Royce White, responded to Reeve's remarks with satire, suggesting a fictional alter ego in an attempt to bridge cultural divides.
The WNBA, which has not yet had a transgender woman play on its roster, maintains that its collective bargaining agreement states only players who are women can play in the league. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has affirmed the league's commitment to prioritize competitive integrity, fairness, and inclusion moving forward.