Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom recounted an incident at a WNBA game where he was ejected after a verbal confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud, stating that Cloud made vulgar remarks toward him. The confrontation occurred on Sunday night at Wintrust Arena during the game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever.
Freedom, who was seated courtside, said the exchange began after he celebrated a three-pointer by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. According to Freedom, Cloud approached him and said, "She’s not gonna sleep with you." Freedom stated he responded by saying he was there to support and protect women, not with any romantic intentions.
Video footage of the incident showed Cloud walking toward Freedom, yelling and pointing. Freedom stood up and took a step onto the court as security and Sky players intervened. Freedom claimed that Cloud then began using profanity, including “F-bombs,” in front of younger fans, expressing shock at such language being used in front of children and teenagers.
Freedom, who was wearing a shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female.," believes the shirt contributed to Cloud's reaction. He stated that while he was cheering for his friend Cunningham, Cloud's comments seemed directed at his shirt and his views on women.
Following the incident, Cloud posted a message on Threads supporting the trans community, stating, "To every trans kid/person, You are apart [sic] 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." Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud after the game, saying the team embraces her as someone who protects others.
Freedom said security asked him to leave the arena without providing a specific reason. He described being touched by an arena employee and asked them not to touch him, stating he could leave on his own and questioning if he was being removed for supporting women.
Freedom announced earlier in August his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, a move he claims is intended to challenge the league to clarify its eligibility standards for players. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement states that only women are eligible to play, but it does not publicly define the term or establish specific requirements for transgender athletes. The WNBA has previously stated that it denounces efforts to demean or marginalize others through discussions of transgender athletes.
Freedom rejected the characterization of his campaign as anti-transgender or anti-LGBTQ, asserting he respects personal decisions and all groups. He stated that the confrontation has only increased his determination to pursue a place in the league. He also mentioned that other former professional players, including two from the NBA, three from Europe, and three from the NBA G League, have privately expressed interest in his pursuit.
He expressed a desire to play for the Indiana Fever and with Caitlin Clark, envisioning them as a "modern-day Kobe and Shaq." Freedom also claimed that some G League players are considering entering the WNBA draft due to the significant salary difference, citing potential annual earnings of $1.4 million in the WNBA compared to $45,000 in the G League.
Freedom indicated he has received death threats and abusive messages since announcing his draft plans, reiterating that his actions are solely to defend women and not politically motivated.
He has not directly communicated with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert but stated he is open to a conversation to understand her perspective. Freedom's attendance at the game marked his first in-person WNBA game, though he followed the league during his NBA career. He praised Cloud's on-court abilities as an excellent player. A subsequent interaction with a young fan and her mother after leaving the arena was described by Freedom as the most emotional part of his night, reinforcing his belief that the issue is not partisan but a matter of common sense.