President Trump Issues 'Full Pardon' To Enes Kanter To Pursue WNBA Career

Here we go again.

by Chris Rosvoglou

Oct 2, 2026

President Trump at the Patriots Games.

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;

President Donald Trump is taking aim at the WNBA in the middle of the playoffs.

Roughly two months ago, Enes Kanter Freedom announced that he was declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft. This was the former No. 3 pick’s way of entering the debate regarding transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

“After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect,” Kanter wrote. “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.”

During an Oklahoma rally on Thursday night, Trump said he’d give Denis Rodman and Enes Kanter Freedom a full pardon to compete in the WNBA.

“So [Rodman and Kanter Freedom], they are good and they have an exemption. I’m giving them a full pardon that they can go into women’s sports anytime they want,” Trump said, via Mediaite. “And I guarantee — he’s giving me a Thunder jacket — and I guarantee you when they do, they will break, even though they’re slightly older — although Freedom looks like he’s pretty young — they will break every record in the history of women’s sports.”

Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom is seen prior to a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Will Enes Kanter actually join the WNBA?

Kanter averaged 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during his NBA career. He suited up for the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics before walking away from the game.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed all the controversy surrounding Kanter back in August.

“Our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained,” Engelbert said. “Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”

While we don’t actually expect Kanter to play a single game in the WNBA, the latest comments from Trump are bound to stir up a debate.