Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud had to be restrained by security and teammates during a WNBA game Sunday night after confronting former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who was ejected from the arena following the incident. The confrontation occurred during the second half at Wintrust Arena.
Cloud, who has spoken in support of transgender athletes, later posted a message on social media affirming her support for the transgender community. "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," Cloud wrote.
Freedom, who has declared his intention to join the WNBA draft, claimed Cloud initiated the argument. According to Freedom, Cloud told him that Chicago Sky player Sophie Cunningham "won't sleep with you." Freedom stated he was at the game to "protect women and support her." He also alleged that Cloud used "heavy language" and "F-bombs" in front of children.
Freedom was escorted from the arena, posting on X, "I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for supporting WOMEN! Let that sink in, AMERICA!"
Earlier in the evening, Freedom arrived at the arena wearing a T-shirt that defined "woman" as "Adult human female." He was met with both protests and cheers from fans outside the venue.
Freedom has been vocal about his desire to play in the WNBA, stating he identifies as a woman to meet the league's eligibility criteria. Reports have emerged that the WNBA has ruled Freedom and fellow ex-NBA player Royce White ineligible for the 2027 draft. A WNBA representative stated the league would "not give oxygen to efforts designed to mock the league or use this topic to demean and marginalize others."
The WNBA's current collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are women are eligible to play," without providing a specific definition of a woman.