Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was expelled from the Indiana-Chicago WNBA game on Sunday night following a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter. Kanter, seated along the baseline, wore a black shirt with the inscription “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” Cloud’s actions led to the ejection after scoring a point and engaging in a heated exchange with Kanter. The incident prompted a timeout, with security and players intervening to prevent further escalation.
Chicago coach Tyler Marsh reassured Cloud that she was not a distraction to the team, emphasizing her role in protecting the team and individuals. Despite being escorted from the court area, Kanter continued to advocate his stance to security and encouraged the crowd’s response as he left the arena. Following the game, Cloud met with team and league security but did not address the media directly. However, she posted a supportive message on Threads aimed at transgender individuals.
The incident has sparked discussions about transgender participation in the WNBA, with ongoing debates on whether transgender women assigned male at birth should be allowed to compete. Layshia Clarendon, the WNBA’s first openly transgender player, retired in 2024 after being assigned female at birth. While the league’s collective bargaining agreement focuses on women’s participation, it lacks specific language regarding gender identity and birth sex. The debate has gained attention, with former NBA players like Kanter and Royce White humorously announcing their eligibility for the WNBA draft.
Amidst the controversy, the incident highlights the intersection of sports and social issues, drawing attention to the ongoing discussions on transgender inclusion and equality in sports.