Ex-NBA player who says he identifies as woman ejected from WNBA game

Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA player who identifies as a woman, was removed from a WNBA game following a heated exchange with players. Freedom previously announced his intention to compete in the WNBA draft as a woman. Sky guard Natasha Cloud verbally and physically confronted Freedom near the end of the third quarter, after Cloud scored a basket with just 1:22 minutes remaining.

Freedom, wearing a black shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female." and holding his arms out, was escorted from the court area by security and Sky players. Sky coach Tyler Marsh expressed solidarity with Cloud, stating that the team welcomed her as someone who protected their team and those who needed protection. Freedom and fellow former NBA player Royce White had previously declared their eligibility for the WNBA draft, claiming they identified as women.

The confrontation occurred amidst a game in which Indiana star Sophie Cunningham was playing. Cunningham had previously advocated for excluding transgender girls and women from women's sports. Cunningham had initially denied making negative comments about transgender individuals, but later acknowledged that she intended to protect young girls in sports from biological men.

The incident occurred amid protests from both sides at WNBA games, with some fans urging Freedom to leave the arena. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert denounced those attempting to "sow divisiveness" over the issue, emphasizing that only players who are women are eligible to play in the league. Engelbert recently discussed the matter with team presidents and general managers, pledging to discuss transgender women's participation in women's basketball.