Former NBA Star Enes Kanter Freedom Sues Chicago Sky Over August 23 Ejection

Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom filed a lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court in Illinois against the Chicago Sky, the city of Chicago, and the arena operator, claiming his First Amendment rights were violated when he was ejected from a WNBA game on August 23. Freedom was removed after a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud while wearing a shirt reading “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” He is seeking damages and removal of his ban from attending games at Wintrust Arena.

What happened at the August 23 game

Freedom was sitting courtside during the Sky’s game against the Indiana Fever when Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached him late in the third quarter. Cloud yelled and pointed at Freedom as she walked in his direction. Freedom stood, extended his arms, and stepped toward the court before security escorted him from the arena. He was wearing the black shirt about biological sex. The Sky said he violated fan conduct rules by rising from his seat and stepping toward the court.

Sky owner denies First Amendment claim

Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter called the lawsuit “meritless and frivolous” Friday. Alter said Freedom wore the shirt for multiple hours without incident and was removed only after violating fan code of conduct. “Freedom was removed for his conduct, not his speech,” Alter stated. The lawsuit names the Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority which owns Wintrust Arena, and the city of Chicago as defendants.

Freedom’s broader campaign on WNBA eligibility

Freedom has declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft and demanded the league revise its eligibility language. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states only women are eligible to play but does not define transgender eligibility standards. Freedom said he would “100%” play for a proposed Nashville Balls expansion team if given the opportunity. He has also challenged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to a public summit on the issue.

Connection to Sophie Cunningham controversy

Freedom said his courtside attendance was to support Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has publicly opposed transgender women competing in women’s sports. Freedom revealed on Fox News that Cunningham texted him “What happened?” after his ejection. He responded that he stood up and opened his arms saying “I’m here to protect my friends.” Cunningham has not publicly joined Freedom’s broader campaign against WNBA eligibility policies.

Final Thoughts

The lawsuit tests whether a fan’s removal from a sports venue can be challenged as a First Amendment violation when political speech is involved. The court’s decision could affect how arenas handle fan conduct tied to contentious social issues.

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