Chicago Sky forward Natasha Cloud says she will focus on women's issues, not former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom
Sky forward Natasha Cloud declined to discuss former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, emphasizing domestic violence, sexual assault and food insecurity as priority concerns for women and children.
Chicago Sky forward Natasha Cloud told reporters she would not comment on former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, describing him as "irrelevant" to the issues she prioritizes. Cloud said her focus is on matters that directly affect women and children, citing domestic violence, sexual assault and food insecurity as the most pressing challenges in 2026.
During a home game against the Indiana Fever, Cloud approached Freedom, who was seated along the baseline wearing a shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female." Security and teammates intervened as the two exchanged words. Cloud later said she wants the league to address "real issues that face women" rather than debates about gender identity.
Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter subsequently barred Freedom from future home games, a decision Cloud praised as protecting players. She added that the WNBA should not become a platform for political or cultural disputes.
The incident comes amid ongoing discussion about the eligibility of transgender athletes in the WNBA. While the league’s collective bargaining agreement limits participation to women, it does not explicitly define gender criteria. Cloud expressed a desire for the conversation to focus on the league’s on-court success, noting the recent Indiana game attracted 3.3 million viewers, the highest viewership since the league’s inaugural season.