Chicago Sky owner bars Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena after on-court incident

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter announced Tuesday that Enes Kanter Freedom will not be allowed back into Wintrust Arena after an altercation with guard Natasha Cloud during Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. Alter told beat writers that Freedom had "demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat," and that security escorted him out of the venue in the third quarter.

The incident occurred after Cloud scored a basket that prompted a timeout. According to reports, she directed a verbal outburst toward Freedom, who was seated near the basket. Freedom stood and approached her, prompting Sky players and arena security to intervene. He was then escorted out and barred from re-entering for the remainder of the game.

Freedom later told a media outlet that he had raised his hands in celebration after a teammate’s three-point shot, and that Cloud responded with a comment about him not sleeping with her. He said he tried to explain that he was there to support women and that his T-shirt, which defined the term "woman," may have contributed to the tension.

Alter added that Freedom began "chirping" with Cloud in the third quarter, describing it as basketball-related trash talk intended to provoke a reaction. The Sky have not released further details about any conditions for Freedom’s reinstatement.

Cloud did not speak at the post-game media session but posted a message on social media expressing support for the transgender community, which was interpreted as a response to Freedom’s comments.

Freedom, who has expressed interest in joining the WNBA as a player or coach, said he will continue to pursue a draft opportunity.