Enes Kanter Freedom barred from Sky arena after altercation with Natasha Cloud, team owner says

Chicago Sky team owner Michael Alter said Tuesday Enes Kanter Freedom is banned 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.

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.

Freedom was escorted out of the arena and was unable to return for the rest of the game.

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.

Natasha Cloud argues with Enes Kanter Freedom during a WNBA basketball game.

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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“Woman – adult human female,” his shirt read.

Freedom later told OutKick he believed his T-shirt had something to do with the altercation.

“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.”

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.

Enes Kanter Freedom poses courtside prior to a Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever game.

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.

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