Chicago Sky bans Enes Kanter Freedom from Wintrust Arena after verbal clash with player

The Chicago Sky announced that former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has been prohibited from entering Wintrust Arena after security removed him during Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. According to team owner Michael Alter, Freedom engaged in a verbal exchange with Sky point guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter and then stepped toward the court with his arms outstretched, prompting security to escort him out.

Alter told local media that Freedom had been “chirping” and attempting to provoke Cloud, who is known for her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights. “[Kanter Freedom] has demonstrated to us unequivocally that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter said. “He is not able to control himself to the extent where we can be comfortable that he may step towards the court again and towards the players. So that is the basis for which we will not permit him into the building until such time as he can prove otherwise.”

Freedom, who has become active in political debates surrounding transgender athletes, posted on social media after the incident, claiming he was removed for “supporting women.” The Sky’s general manager Jeff Pagliocca had reportedly been contacted by Freedom’s representative several hours before the game, but the team said they only learned of his attendance shortly before tip-off.

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, signed in March, states that only women are eligible to play in the league, without further defining the term. League officials have indicated there are currently no pending cases that would require a review of eligibility rules for transgender or intersex athletes.

Alter emphasized that the team respects First Amendment rights but expects all fans to follow league and venue policies. He added that security acted promptly to prevent any escalation when Freedom moved toward the court.