Enes Kanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game after clash with Natasha Cloud
Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Turkish-American former basketball player and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom reacts as he is removed from the arena during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from Sunday night’s WNBA matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago after a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. The incident was reported by ESPN and confirmed by CBS Sports and The Guardian, all describing the same courtside confrontation that ultimately led security to remove the former NBA player from the arena. On the court, the Fever went on to beat the Sky 113-90, with Caitlin Clark scoring 37 points and Kelsey Mitchell adding 30, according to ESPN.
What happened courtside
The confrontation broke out at Kanter Freedom’s courtside baseline seat during a timeout late in the third quarter, when Cloud walked toward him and began shouting in his direction. During the exchange, Kanter Freedom pumped his fist and mocked Cloud by imitating her talking with his hand, arguing that he should not have to leave, according to ABC7 Chicago. Security ultimately escorted him out of Wintrust Arena following the courtside shouting match, as reported by Fox News’ Outkick. After the game, Cloud posted a pro-trans message following the altercation, according to Fox News’ Outkick.
Giving his own account afterward, Kanter Freedom claimed Cloud had made a vulgar remark toward him, which he said triggered the confrontation — an allegation reported by Fox News’ Outkick but not confirmed independently. He also said comments from Sophie Cunningham about protecting women’s sports helped fuel his decision to get involved in the confrontation, according to a report on Threads. Kanter Freedom also reportedly faced hostility from WNBA fans on his way to the Fever-Sky matchup, per Fox News’ Outkick.
A charged backdrop around WNBA eligibility
The clash comes amid a broader controversy Kanter Freedom himself set in motion earlier in August 2026, when he declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Per Complex, the former NBA center said his announcement was meant to challenge the WNBA’s eligibility policies rather than mock the transgender community, saying he identifies as a woman for the purpose of professional basketball eligibility. Yahoo Sports corroborated the announcement.
He was not alone in that stance. Former NBA player Royce White made a similar declaration for the 2027 WNBA Draft around the same time, also citing transgender identity, according to CBC, amid a wider debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports.
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