Chicago Sky team owner Michael Alter said Tuesday Enes Kanter Freedom is barred from Wintrust Arena after his altercation with Natasha Cloud on Sunday.
Alter made the comments in an address to beat writers.
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Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud #9 of the Chicago Sky yell at one another during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on August 23, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“He has demonstrated to us, unequivocally, that he has the potential to be a threat,” Alter said, via ESPN.
Sky officials explained to OutKick later Tuesday that Wintrust Arena security, NBA security and the Chicago police determined Freedom to be a threat. The determination came when Freedom opened his arms, pointed toward Cloud and stepped toward the court, according to the officials.
OutKick reached out to Chicago police for further clarification.
The incident occurred in the third quarter of the Sky’s loss to the Indiana Fever. Cloud scored a bucket that led to the Fever calling a timeout. She directed her emotion toward Freedom, who was sitting near the basket at the Wintrust Arena. Freedom stood up and walked toward Cloud. Sky players and security had to get in between the two.
Alter said that Freedom began “chirping” at Cloud in the third quarter.
“He began to chirp with her in the third quarter,” Alter said, via Chicago State of Mind Sports. I would characterize it as trash talking, nothing personal. Basketball-related, but enough to get her attention, engage her, and in my opinion, to try to provoke her.”
Freedom was then escorted out of the arena and was unable to return for the rest of the game.
The former NBA center responded to Alter’s comments in a statement to OutKick on Wednesday morning.
“My letter to Commissioner Engelbert makes one point: rules are rules, and the WNBA must enforce them fairly,” Freedom said. “I followed the league’s rules, yet I was ejected without the required warning while Natasha Cloud faced no consequences for berating a spectator — a clear violation of league policy. Being labeled a ‘threat’ will not intimidate me; I will continue standing up for women, fairness, and the principle that no player or organization is above its own rules.”
Freedom initially explained the situation to OutKick after Sunday’s game.
“Sophie Cunningham shot a three, and I put my hands up to celebrate,” Freedom said. “Literally, a couple possessions later, Natasha came back and started screaming and yelling and said, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’
“And I was like, ‘I am not trying to sleep with her. I’m just here to protect women and support her.’ And then, obviously, after that she started yapping, and she started to walk towards me, and literally I just got up, and then I was like, ‘I’m just here to protect women, and that’s all.’”
Freedom was wearing a shirt that explained the definition of a woman. He said he believed the shirt contributed to Cloud’s outburst.
“I was cheering for my friend Sophie because when she shot that three, I put my hands in the air,” Freedom said. “A couple possessions later, she came back and said, ‘She’s not gonna sleep with you.’ And I was shocked. I was like, ‘Listen, I’m not trying to sleep with her. I think she’s awesome. She’s a good friend.’ But I think it has a lot to do with my shirt.
“I was obviously wearing a shirt explaining what a woman is, and I think that had a lot to do with what she thinks about women. I think it triggered her a lot.”
Cloud didn’t speak at the Sky’s postgame media availability. She fired off a message on Threads in support of 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.
Cloud’s message appeared to be a swipe at Freedom, who announced his intentions to compete in the WNBA as players and coaches have spoken out about trans athletes in women and girls’ sports. Freedom was wearing a T-shirt with the definition of a woman on it.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud argues with former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Freedom attended his first WNBA game after saying he wanted to join the WNBA. As he entered the arena Sunday afternoon, he was berated by a mob of angry WNBA fans.
Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom poses courtside prior to the game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 23, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. (Getty Images)
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He has since maintained he will pursue entering the WNBA Draft.
Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.
