Enes Kanter Freedom Reports Death Threats Over WNBA Finals Attendance, Contacts FBI
The former NBA player stated he intends to attend Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta despite threats, with assurances of security from state officials and federal law enforcement.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has reported receiving death threats in connection with his plans to attend Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta. Freedom stated he is in contact with the FBI and has arranged for personal security and state-provided protection.
Freedom told OutKick that he intends to attend the Wednesday game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, despite what he described as thousands of threats. He indicated that the governor of Georgia’s office has provided security and that the FBI will also have a presence to ensure his safety during the event. A spokesperson for Gov. Brian Kemp's office confirmed that their office connected Freedom's team with appropriate law enforcement resources.
One threat Freedom cited warned that he would be "the next Charlie Kirk," accompanied by messages and videos depicting Kirk being shot. Freedom shared a video compilation on social media allegedly containing these threats.
Game 3 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena, with the series currently tied 1-1. Freedom's planned attendance comes amid his public stance on WNBA eligibility rules. He and Royce White had previously announced intentions to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, stating they identify as women. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has affirmed that only women are eligible to play in the league.
Freedom has advocated for explicit eligibility restrictions based on biological sex, citing support for transgender participation in sports. Despite the threats, Freedom stated his intention to attend the game to "support all these hardworking women."
This planned appearance follows a previous incident on Aug. 23, where Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The ejection occurred after a confrontation with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The Sky subsequently banned Freedom from their home games, and he filed a lawsuit alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights. The Sky owner disputed Freedom's account, attributing his removal to conduct rather than speech.
Freedom maintained his innocence regarding the Chicago incident and expressed no intention of escalating any confrontations in Atlanta. He also noted that Atlanta Dream player Angel Reese had blocked him on the social media platform X. Despite this, Freedom predicted an Atlanta victory in the series, citing their strong play.
Freedom indicated he would wear a shirt to the game, similar to one worn previously that defined a woman as an "adult human female." He stated his presence is intended as support for women's sports, not to mock individuals or their decisions.