Overview
- The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 to win the 2026 WNBA championship, capping the season with the expansion franchise’s first title.
- Enes Kanter Freedom issued a postgame statement praising the players and repeating that he will press his claim to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying “I’ll see you ladies at the 2027 WNBA Draft.”
- The WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert have already told Congress and the public that Kanter would be considered ineligible under current practice, and league officials have refused to accept his draft bid.
- Kanter’s argument cites Article XIII of the WNBA collective bargaining agreement and rests on his claim that the agreement does not define sex or gender for eligibility, a legal hinge that could prompt policy changes or court challenges.
- Earlier incidents this season that produced venue bans and special security measures include Kanter’s August ejection at Wintrust Arena and a dispute over courtside seating during the Finals, which show how the disagreement has already affected game operations and fan safety planning.