Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever on August 24, 2025, following a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud late in the third quarter. The incident occurred at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, with the Fever leading 81-75 at the time of the timeout.
Core Facts of the Incident
Freedom, seated courtside wearing a shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female," stood and stepped onto the court as Cloud approached him. Security personnel and Sky players intervened to separate the two before Freedom was escorted from the arena. The WNBA confirmed the ejection but did not provide an immediate reason for the removal.
Freedom later posted on social media, stating he was ejected "for supporting women." Cloud did not speak to media after the game but posted a message on social media expressing support for transgender individuals. The Chicago Sky declined to comment beyond stating that security handled the situation.
Details of the Confrontation
Video footage shows Cloud scoring a basket with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter, prompting a timeout. After celebrating with a teammate, Cloud turned toward Freedom and began yelling and pointing at him. Freedom stood, extended his arms, and took a step onto the court before security intervened. Multiple sources described Cloud as using profanity during the altercation.
Freedom claimed in subsequent posts that Cloud directed a vulgar remark toward him, stating she said, "She’s not gonna sleep with you." He added that he responded by saying he was there to "protect women and support her." The Fox News report cited Freedom’s account of the exchange, while other outlets did not independently verify this claim.
Pre-Game Tensions and Context
Freedom had previously declared his intent to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, citing the league’s ongoing discussions about gender eligibility rules. He wore the shirt with the definition of "woman" to the game, a move that drew attention and criticism from some fans outside the arena. Reports described a hostile reception from a group of spectators, with at least one fan flipping him off and another mocking his NBA career.
The WNBA’s Fan Code of Conduct prohibits disruptive behavior, and league rules state that only players who are women are eligible to compete. The league has not publicly clarified whether this refers to biological sex or gender identity. Sophie Cunningham, an Indiana Fever player, had previously expressed opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, further fueling the debate surrounding the incident.
Reactions and Statements
- Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh stated that Cloud did not want to be a distraction and that the team supported her stance on protecting women’s sports.
- Sky forward Azura Stevens told reporters the incident was a "fan issue" handled by security, declining to elaborate further.
- Natasha Cloud posted a message on social media after the game, affirming her support for transgender individuals: "To every trans kid/person, You are apart of MY community & tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are. & you will always be protected by me."
- Enes Kanter Freedom continued to frame his ejection as an attack on his support for women, stating in a social media post: "I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!"
League and Broader Implications
The incident highlights ongoing debates within the WNBA and broader sports communities about gender eligibility, inclusion policies, and the definition of a "woman" in athletic competition. Freedom’s attempt to enter the WNBA draft has intensified discussions about the league’s policies, with some arguing for biological definitions and others advocating for self-identification.
The WNBA has not issued a formal statement regarding the ejection or Freedom’s draft eligibility. The league’s policies remain a subject of public and internal discussion, with no immediate changes announced.