Enes Kanter Freedom

From
Athlete
to
Advocate

The Journey of
Enes Kanter Freedom

Enes Kanter Freedom is an NBA star, human rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and New York Times bestselling author who sacrificed his family, career and home to speak out against human rights violations around the world.

Born in Switzerland and raised in Turkey, Freedom bravely called out human rights abuses by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his home country. In response, Turkey canceled his passport, placed his name on an Interpol list, banned communication with his family, imprisoned and tortured his father, placed a $500,000 bounty on his head. The Turkish government effectively issued an international arrest warrant for Freedom.

During a visit to Indonesia in 2017, Freedom narrowly escaped a government attempt to kidnap him and return him to Turkey. Later that year, he was detained and arrested at the Bucharest airport by the Romanian government.

Over the course of 9 years, Freedom faced 12 arrest warrants and countless death threats for his activism.

After unveiling his "Anti-CCP" shoes during a 2021 NBA season opener, every Boston Celtics game was instantaneously banned at halftime in both China and Turkey. Through the use of his "Freedom Shoes," in NBA games he has advocated for the rights of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hongkongers, Taiwanese, and others facing the Chinese Communist Party's oppression.

In 2022, five years after having his Turkish citizenship revoked, Enes Kanter became a proud U.S. citizen and changed his last name to Freedom. He has since become a prominent voice for the oppressed in various countries, including Turkey, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and throughout the Middle East.

In spite of his advocacy, the NBA traded Freedom from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets in February 2022, only to be released by the Rockets just 3 minutes later. The NBA has been hesitant to sign him due to his outspoken criticism of China, attempting to silence him in the process, and resulting in a financial loss of an estimated $50 million.

For Enes Kanter Freedom, the fight for freedom comes at a big cost, but his dedication to human rights around the world remains unwavering. "Freedom Is Not Free!"

Core Principles

Courage

Standing up against injustice, regardless of personal cost or consequence.

Justice

Fighting for equality and human rights for all people, everywhere.

Legacy

Investing in the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

New York Times Bestseller

In the Name of Freedom

In the Name
of Freedom

A riveting story of personal hardship, political dissent, and the quest for justice — recounting how Enes Kanter became Enes Freedom: an American citizen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and a fierce advocate for human rights around the world.

International Recognition

New York Times

One of only 3 Turkish authors to reach NYT Bestseller status

Der Spiegel

German bestseller list — reaching readers across Europe and the world

Where We Fight

Our Impact

Human Rights Advocacy

Initiative

Human Rights Advocacy

International campaigns raising awareness of human rights violations and holding authoritarian regimes accountable. Using the global platform of professional basketball to spotlight freedom movements and crises worldwide. Every game is a statement for liberty.

Youth Education

Initiative

Youth Education

Empowering the next generation through mentorship, character development, and life skills. Building future leaders who will stand for justice and freedom in their communities.

Free Basketball Camps

Initiative

Free Basketball Camps

Over 350 free basketball camps globally — including the annual Odessa, Texas camp for youth ages 6–18. World-class instruction, strength conditioning, and elite coaching. Every child deserves access.

Hoops of One

Initiative

Hoops of One

Using basketball to unite Jewish, Muslim, Christian and youth of all faiths — countering antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate. Mixed-faith clinics, interfaith workshops, and community building. NYC 2026 pilot launching now.

Combatting Antisemitism

Initiative

Combatting Antisemitism

Standing firmly against antisemitism in all its forms. Visiting Jewish communities, speaking at synagogues and universities, and using the global platform of basketball to condemn hate and stand with the Jewish people worldwide.

Combatting Islamophobia

Initiative

Combatting Islamophobia

Fighting anti-Muslim hate and discrimination with courage and conviction. Building bridges between communities, visiting mosques, and advocating for the dignity and rights of Muslims everywhere — because no faith should face persecution.

Our Mission

Freedom
For All

Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

Enes Kanter Freedom

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The Enes Kanter Freedom Foundation stands as a relentless voice for the oppressed — advocating for human rights across Turkey, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and throughout the Middle East.

Through youth education, basketball camps, and global advocacy, we empower the next generation to speak truth to power.

50

States Reached

1000+

Free Basketball Camps

55+

Countries Reached

The Campaign

Freedom Shoes

Custom-designed sneakers worn during NBA games to bring global attention to oppressed communities. Every shoe is a statement. Every step is a stand for freedom.

Free Turkey

Freedom Shoes

Free Turkey

4 views
Free Uyghurs

Freedom Shoes

Free Uyghurs

3 views
Stand with Hong Kong

Freedom Shoes

Stand with Hong Kong

2 views
Stop Slave Labor

Freedom Shoes

Stop Slave Labor

2 views
Free Belarus

Freedom Shoes

Free Belarus

2 views
Save Venezuela

Freedom Shoes

Save Venezuela

2 views
Stand with Ukraine

Freedom Shoes

Stand with Ukraine

2 views
Free Tibet

Freedom Shoes

Free Tibet

2 views
Free Iran

Freedom Shoes

Free Iran

3 views
Free LeBron James

Freedom Shoes

Free LeBron James

3 views
Free Russia

Freedom Shoes

Free Russia

Stop Organ Harvesting

Freedom Shoes

Stop Organ Harvesting

2 views
Stand with Taiwan

Freedom Shoes

Stand with Taiwan

Free Sudan

Freedom Shoes

Free Sudan

4 views
Free Nicaragua

Freedom Shoes

Free Nicaragua

4 views
Free Myanmar

Freedom Shoes

Free Myanmar

4 views

The Voice

Conferences & Talks

From Congress to global summits — using every platform to fight for freedom, expose tyranny, and inspire the world.

Knick vs. Dictator

Oslo Freedom Forum · HRF

2018

Knick vs. Dictator

After his passport was revoked by Erdoğan's regime, Enes speaks with HRF founder Thor Halvorssen at the Oslo Freedom Forum about Turkey's crackdown, his stateless fight, and why athletes must speak truth to power.

Watch Now
Transnational Repression Hearing

U.S. House Homeland Security Committee

2024

Transnational Repression Hearing

Historic testimony before Congress on how authoritarian regimes like Turkey, China, and Iran pursue and silence dissidents living in the United States.

Watch Now
Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act

U.S. Senate — Sen. Markey & Sen. Wyden

2019

Turkey Human Rights Promotion Act

Joins Senators Markey and Wyden on Capitol Hill to introduce landmark legislation addressing Turkey's human rights abuses, press freedom crackdown, and Erdoğan's global persecution of dissidents.

Watch Now
In the Name of Freedom — Full Interview

C-SPAN Q&A

2025

In the Name of Freedom — Full Interview

A deep dive into his memoir, his decade-long NBA career, the personal cost of speaking truth, and his testimony before Congress about authoritarian repression.

Watch Now
Discussing Israel & Antisemitism

Andrew Cuomo Podcast

2023

Discussing Israel & Antisemitism

A candid conversation on his interfaith basketball camps in Jerusalem for Palestinian and Israeli children, the roots of antisemitism, and the courage to speak as a Muslim against hate.

Watch Now
Conviction, Consequences & Compassion

The Lucky Ones

2026

Conviction, Consequences & Compassion

A deeply personal account of growing up surrounded by indoctrination, the mentor who changed everything, and the price of living by principle — including the loss of family and career.

Watch Now

In The News

Op-Eds & Media

Featured in major publications worldwide, speaking truth about freedom, human rights, and the responsibility of athletes to use their platform.

The Atlantic

2021

Why I Became an American

I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America, the land of the free, and home of the brave.

Read

The Atlantic

2023

Turkey Put a Bounty on My Head. I'm Flattered.

When I learned that Turkey had placed a $500,000 bounty on my head, part of me was flattered. Turkey has targeted me for years because I speak the truth.

Read

TIME Magazine

2023

Why I Stand Up for Freedom Around the World

I use my platform to speak out and to offer my unique perspective on the immeasurable value and responsibility that comes with our freedoms.

Read

Washington Post

2022

Enes Freedom was Cut for Exposing Corporate Complicity with China

How U.S. corporations became foreign agents of Communist China—and what happened when I spoke out.

Read

New York Times

2022

Basketball Skills Got Him to the NBA, but Activism Made His Name

Enes Kanter Freedom has condemned human rights abuses in Turkey for years. Now he focuses on global activism.

Read

Fox News

2024

I Came Here for My Basketball Dream. I Stay for the American Dream

A Muslim immigrant argues America's values attract those seeking to be free while condemning oppression worldwide.

Read

Oklahoma City Thunder

2026

Playing for Thunder is About Understanding OKC's Scars

As a former OKC Thunder player, I reflect on the deeper meaning of service and remembrance to those affected by tragedy.

Read

Reason Magazine

2022

Enes Kanter Freedom Talks China, the NBA, and Free Speech

Because of my NBA platform, I was able to use my voice. The things I talked about really bothered the powerful.

Read

The New Yorker

2021

Enes Kanter Freedom's Political Awakening

The NBA star discusses his embrace of activism and his harsh words for those who prioritize profits over human rights.

Read

TIME Magazine

2023

The West Must Stop Playing Erdogan's Dangerous Game

Over the last year we've all been spectators of an interesting scene: the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened...

Read

Huffington Post

2022

The Sporting World Must Isolate Russia

We call on all sports organizations to unite with Ukraine and oppose the aggressor and his representatives at all levels.

Read

Newsweek

2022

Human Rights Abuses in Tigray Need Global Action

Last week marked the two-year anniversary of the Axum massacre in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Global action is needed now.

Read

Fox News

2022

Our Leaders Must Show Moral Courage in Face of Oppression

Too often, in the face of global atrocities and oppression, leaders fail to show the moral courage required.

Read

Toronto Star

2022

President Erdogan is a Rising Authoritarian and Western Democracies Must Respond

What does it mean to defend democracy and human rights globally? It is not enough to respond to only the crises that make headlines.

Read

Boston Globe

2022

The World Must Address All Human Rights Violations

The situations in Turkey and China demonstrate the need to enforce recognition of human rights globally.

Read

Foreign Policy

2022

The United States Can't Afford to Stay Entangled With China

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, geopolitics have shifted. America must reconsider its relationship with China.

Read

Spectator World

2022

Time for Turkey to Align With the West

Doing business in unstable and undemocratic countries is a huge risk. Turkey must realign with democratic values.

Read

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Freedom

Enes Kanter Freedom Foundation

Your Silence
Is The Only Loss

© 2026 Enes Kanter Freedom Foundation. All rights reserved.

EKF Foundation Funds are used for Human Rights Advocacy and Youth Education around the world.