Enes Kanter Freedom escorted from WNBA game after confrontation with Natasha Cloud

The former NBA player was removed from his courtside seat after an exchange with the Chicago Sky guard during Sunday’s

Aug 24, 2026 0

Enes Kanter Freedom escorted from WNBA game after confrontation with Natasha Cloud

Indiana Fever v Chicago Sky — CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 23: Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud #9 of the Chicago Sky yell at one another during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on August 23, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The former NBA player was removed from his courtside seat after an exchange with the Chicago Sky guard during Sunday’s game.

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted from Chicago’s Wintrust Arena after a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud during Sunday’s game against the Indiana Fever. The incident unfolded amid growing tensions surrounding the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports.

Freedom, 34, was seated courtside wearing a shirt stating, “WOMAN noun adult human female.” He has become an outspoken critic of transgender women competing in women’s sports and recently announced plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft as part of his campaign on the issue. The confrontation occurred late in the third quarter after Cloud scored on a driving layup. According to The New York Times, Cloud approached Freedom near his courtside seat. An Indiana team security member restrained Cloud while arena security escorted Freedom from the seating area into the lobby.

Freedom later told arena officials and law enforcement that he was removed because he was “supporting women,” calling the decision unacceptable. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain disputed. Tricia Smith, a spectator who said she sat beside Freedom throughout the game, claimed Cloud initiated the exchange. She said Freedom stood up after Cloud approached him but did not otherwise provoke the confrontation.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 18: A WNBA logo is shown on the court after the Las Vegas Aces’ 89-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Cloud did not address reporters after the game but met with team and league security. Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended her, saying the organization supported Cloud’s willingness to protect her teammates and others. Marsh also urged fans to attend WNBA games to watch basketball rather than bring outside political disputes into the arena.

The confrontation comes as the WNBA faces increased attention over transgender participation in women’s sports. No transgender athletes currently compete in the league. The debate intensified after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly opposed transgender participation in women’s sports in July, followed by demonstrations outside several Fever games.