Enes Kanter Sues Chicago Sky After Game Ejection Over Gender‑Identity Shirt

Topline

Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Sky on Thursday, alleging a violation of his First Amendment rights after he was ejected from a game against the Indiana Fever on August 23, 2026. The ejection followed a confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud when Kanter wore a shirt defining a woman as an “adult human female.”

Key Facts

Kanter, who has recently criticized the WNBA’s gender and inclusion policies, claims he was removed from Wintrust Arena after “peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights” while wearing the contested shirt during the Sky‑Fever game.

The lawsuit argues that the stadium’s public financing makes it a government entity, thereby protecting Kanter’s free‑speech rights, and asserts he was issued an indefinite ban from the venue.

The incident escalated when Cloud began shouting at Kanter after scoring; Kanter stood with arms spread and walked toward Cloud, prompting security to separate the two.

Kanter was then escorted out of his courtside seat and the arena. He later tweeted that he was “booted for supporting WOMEN!”

The Chicago Sky have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Key Background

Kanter declared himself a WNBA prospect last month as a protest against the league’s gender‑policy framework, contending that he qualified under the league’s “self‑identification and inclusion” rules. He said the declaration was not meant to mock or disrespect any community. The move followed comments by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who stated the WNBA should not allow “biological men.” While there are currently no openly transgender players in the league, the WNBA’s eligibility rule states that “only players who are women are eligible to play,” without defining the term. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert indicated the issue would be reviewed by team executives.

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