With the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries preparing for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has announced plans to attend Wednesday's matchup with a message that could reignite an already contentious debate.
Freedom confirmed that he will be at State Farm Arena on October 21, promising to unveil a new t-shirt as part of his ongoing campaign against the WNBA's transgender athlete eligibility policies.
Enes Kanter Freedom gets kicked out of WNBA game after heated clash with Natasha Cloud
The announcement follows his controversial declaration for the 2027 WNBA Draft, a symbolic move intended to challenge the league's eligibility requirements rather than establish a realistic playing opportunity.
However, his latest video went beyond policy criticism, with Freedom directing personal remarks toward two of the Finals' most prominent players.
Freedom explained that his campaign began after hearing comments from Valkyries star Gabby Williams supporting transgender athletes competing in women's basketball.
"As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, 'I have no problem with trans athletes playing on my team or against my team,'" Freedom said in a video posted on X.
"Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA Draft."
Freedom subsequently shifted his attention to Dream forward Angel Reese, claiming she had blocked him on social media.
"My favorite diva has unfortunately blocked me on social media. But that won't stop me from showing my appreciation for the one and only Angel Reese," he said.
"I can't wait to take some notes on how to finish a layup after grabbing a rebound."
The remarks continue Freedom's pattern of using provocative public statements to draw attention to his opposition to the league's policies.
Previous WNBA protest ended in legal dispute
Freedom's upcoming appearance follows an incident at Wintrust Arena during an August 23 game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever.
The former NBA center attended wearing a black t-shirt displaying the definition "WOMAN noun. adult human female," prompting attention from spectators and players.
During the third quarter, Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached Freedom following a basket, with the pair exchanging words before security intervened.
Freedom was subsequently ejected and banned from the arena. He later filed a lawsuit challenging his removal, alleging that his First Amendment rights had been violated. The dispute remains a significant backdrop to his latest plans.
Freedom promises surprise at WNBA Finals Game 3
Freedom has refused to reveal the message on his latest t-shirt, instead suggesting that fans should expect something memorable.
"Everyone keeps asking me the same question: 'What t-shirt are you going to wear this time?'" he said. "Well, let me tell you something — this one is going to blow your minds!"
He also claimed he intends to watch the Finals to assess potential competition before his proposed entry into the league next year.
His draft declaration doesn't establish that he meets the WNBA's eligibility requirements, and there's no confirmed prospect of him participating in the 2027 season.
The immediate focus, however, remains Wednesday's championship matchup, where Reese and Williams will be attempting to help their respective teams move closer to the title.