The WNBA has permanently banned former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom from attending any league games, practices, or events, the organization announced early Monday. The decision followed incidents tied to Sunday night’s Chicago Sky versus Indiana Fever matchup, where league officials claim Freedom’s actions and statements crossed into “inciting hate and violence.”
According to a WNBA statement released overnight, security personnel and team officials reported that Freedom, seated in a courtside section at the arena, made repeated verbal comments and gestures directed toward players and fans that were deemed inflammatory. League sources said the remarks referenced political and cultural flashpoints and escalated tensions in the stands during the second half of the Sky’s hard-fought victory over the Fever. Officials intervened, escorting Freedom from the building before the final buzzer.
“The safety of our athletes, staff, and spectators is non-negotiable,” the WNBA statement read. “After reviewing multiple reports and video evidence from last night’s game, we have determined that Mr. Freedom’s conduct constituted an unacceptable incitement of hate and potential violence. He is barred indefinitely from all WNBA venues and events.”
Freedom, known for his outspoken human-rights activism during and after his NBA career, rejected the characterization. In a late-night social-media post, he called the ban “a transparent attempt to silence dissent” and insisted he had only spoken about issues of free expression and political oppression. “I did not threaten anyone. I did not call for violence. I spoke the truth in a public place,” he wrote. “Banning me from watching women’s basketball is the real act of intolerance.”
The game itself had already drawn heightened attention due to strong fan turnout and ongoing national conversations around speech in sports. Several witnesses described heated exchanges near Freedom’s seat, though accounts differed on the exact content of his comments. Neither the Sky nor the Fever issued independent statements beyond supporting the league’s security protocols.
Reactions split sharply online. Supporters of the ban praised the WNBA for acting swiftly to protect the environment around its games. Critics argued the league was selectively enforcing standards and punishing political speech. As of Monday afternoon, Freedom had not confirmed whether he would pursue legal action. The ban takes effect immediately across all WNBA arenas.
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