Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom said he was refused entry to Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta on Wednesday night after declining to sit in a private suite.
In a video posted to X before the game, Freedom said security at State Farm Arena was “banning us from our purchased seats,” adding, “I guess they have to escort me out of the building.”
At halftime, Freedom posted another video showing him being told at the entry gate, “If you come in, you have to agree to go to the suite.”
Freedom replied that he wanted to sit in the seats he had purchased. An Atlanta police officer then told him he was “free to go to the city of Atlanta streets. That’s another private establishment over there. He’s free to go there. He just can’t be here.”
Before the game, State Farm Arena said Freedom had “contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials” to express concerns about his personal safety at Game 3 between the Dream and Golden State Valkyries.
In a statement, the arena said, “The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority.
“Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight’s game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests. The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request.”
Freedom has not attended a WNBA game since he was ejected in late August following a heated exchange with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud in a contest against the visiting Indiana Fever. He said he wanted to attend Game 3 of the Finals after Valkyries player Gabby Williams said she would support a transgender athlete competing in the WNBA.
“As you all know, this all started with an interview featuring Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries, when she said, ‘I have no problem with trans athletes playing on my team or against my team,'” Freedom said in a post Monday. “Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA draft. I can’t wait to watch my favorite player, the woman who inspired me to become who I am today!”
Freedom and former NBA player Royce White have said they identify as women and have declared for the WNBA draft. According to a letter shared by Freedom, league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said they are ineligible to play in the league.
On Wednesday, Freedom shared Engelbert’s letter responding to questions about the WNBA’s eligibility rules from U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.).
“Only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men,” Engelbert wrote, referring to Freedom and White.
“Apparently the WNBA still can’t define what a WOMAN is,” Freedom replied, “but they’re absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!”
Freedom, 34, played in the NBA with the Utah Jazz (2011-12 to 2014-15), Oklahoma City Thunder (2014-15 to 2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18 to 2018-19), Portland Trail Blazers (2018-19 and 2020-21) and Boston Celtics (2019-20 and 2021-22).
Angel Reese had 21 points and 12 rebounds to help the Dream take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals with a 97-71 victory over the Valkyries on Wednesday.
–Field Level Media
