Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from the WNBA game between Indiana and Chicago after a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter. Kanter, sitting courtside, wore a black shirt with the message “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” Cloud scored a basket, then approached Kanter, resulting in a heated exchange before security intervened. The incident led to Kanter’s ejection from the arena.
Chicago coach Tyler Marsh assured Cloud that her actions were not a distraction to the team, emphasizing her role in protecting the team and individuals. Following the altercation, Kanter engaged in a discussion with security personnel before leaving the arena.
Cloud later met with team and league security, declining to speak with the media but posting a message on Threads addressing transgender individuals, affirming their belonging and support within her community.
The incident reignited debates surrounding transgender women participating in the WNBA, with no trans women players in the league to date. While the league’s collective bargaining agreement mentions restrictions to women, it lacks detailed language on gender identity and birth sex.
Former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White, in a show of support for Sophie Cunningham’s stance against transgender athletes in women’s sports, humorously declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft. Kanter even attended a rally supporting Cunningham before the game.
Chicago coach Marsh emphasized the importance of enjoying basketball games without distractions, particularly for the players who have earned that respect. The ongoing discussions highlight the intersection of sports and societal debates on gender identity.