A Controversial Ejection
Former NBA standout Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a WNBA game after a heated exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud during the third quarter.
Cloud, a 34‑year‑old Sky player, walked over to Kanter, who was seated near the baseline, and began yelling while pointing at him. Security personnel quickly stepped in to separate the two, and Kanter was escorted off the court.
The moment added a new flashpoint to an already polarised conversation about whether transgender women should be allowed to compete in the WNBA. The league’s collective bargaining agreement guarantees participation for women but does not contain explicit language governing gender identity.
The debate was amplified by former WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham, who has publicly voiced opposition to transgender women playing in the women’s game, a stance she expressed in an ESPN profile.
Kanter and fellow former NBA player Royce White have both announced that they will declare eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft, identifying as women. Kanter attended a rally outside Wintrust Arena in support of Cunningham before the game began.
Chicago coach Tyler Marsh defended Cloud’s actions, saying she was concerned about becoming a distraction and that the team’s focus should remain on basketball.
After the ejection, Kanter spoke with security officers and local police before leaving the arena, bringing a close to a scene that has drawn considerable media attention.