Sky owner says Enes Kanter Freedom will be barred after court intrusion

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter said the team will prohibit former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from attending future Sky games at Wintrust Arena after the former player stepped onto the baseline during a dead-ball situation in Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. Security personnel removed Kanter Freedom from the court and the arena, and Alter left his courtside seat to confront him, telling him to leave the area.

Alter told local media that Kanter Freedom’s presence was unexpected; a ticket was purchased under a different name, and the team only learned of his attendance about an hour and a half before tip-off. He added that the league had already denied Kanter Freedom’s eligibility after the player announced a bid for the WNBA draft.

"He’s never been to a Sky game before. It was pretty clear to us that his purpose of coming here was trying to be provocative, to see how much attention he could get and stir up," Alter said.

Alter said the decision to eject Kanter Freedom was based on a perceived threat to player safety, noting that Fever security and arena officials also requested his removal. He said the team will continue to enforce its fan code of conduct but does not intend to bar individuals based on beliefs or identity.

"I’m thrilled that we have fans who are trans and they love coming to the arena and they feel safe and supported," Alter added.

The Sky’s general manager Jeff Pagliocca confirmed he had received a text from Kanter Freedom’s manager alerting the team to the planned attendance, but he did not interact with Kanter Freedom on the day of the game. The incident follows ongoing public debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports, a topic Kanter Freedom has been vocal about.