Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from Game 3 of the WNBA Finals after officials relocated him from his courtside seats at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena over concerns about his safety and that of other spectators.
Before the game, Kanter said he was informed by phone that the WNBA and State Farm Arena had arranged a private suite for him. The decision followed his appearance on Fox News, where he said he had contacted the FBI after receiving threats on social media.
Kanter declined the alternative seating arrangement during the call and arrived at the arena intending to use the courtside seats he had purchased. After officials told him the suite was his only option, he refused again, prompting police to escort him away from the property.
Before tipoff, Kanter shared a video on X featuring a security official explaining the decision over the phone: “For tonight’s game, based on you expressing concern about your security, and for security and safety of the fans and players, the WNBA along with arena security has arranged a suite for you.”
Kanter replied that he did not want a suite and instead wanted to use “the seat that I bought and purchased.” When the official said the suite was the only seating available to him, Kanter responded, “I guess they have to drag me,” before ending the call.
Later, Kanter posted a second video showing his attempt to enter State Farm Arena. Security personnel told him he would have to go through the suite area and would be escorted to a location considered safer.
Kanter insisted on being taken to his courtside seats, but officials told him he could not remain on the arena’s property. City of Atlanta police then escorted him out of the building.
Former NBA star Enes Kanter says he was blocked from using his courtside seats for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals after appearing to reject the league’s offer of a luxury suite
Earlier that day, Kanter said he had contacted the FBI after receiving death threats
Kanter arrived at the arena determined to use his courtside seats and declined the suite, leading Atlanta police to escort him from the property
“They kicked me out of the game for supporting women,” Kanter said. “They’re not letting me in the arena by protecting women and supporting women. Shame on the NBA and shame on the WNBA.”
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Atlanta Dream and the WNBA for comment.
Before the game, State Farm Arena officials said Kanter had contacted federal, state and local authorities, as well as the WNBA, Atlanta Dream and arena representatives, to raise concerns about his personal safety at Game 3.
“The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority,” arena officials said. After consulting with the WNBA, Dream ownership, arena leadership and security personnel, they directed Kanter to watch the game from a private luxury suite.
Officials said the arrangement was designed to respond to Kanter’s concerns while creating a safe and positive environment for him and other attendees. The suite was set to include extra security and serve as his designated viewing area, while state police assigned an officer to him at his request.
Kanter, who is seeking entry into the WNBA Draft, has also drawn attention through his criticism of what he describes as a lack of clarity in the league’s policy concerning transgender athletes.
Earlier this season, Kanter was ejected from a Chicago Sky game and subsequently barred from the team’s arena after a confrontation with Sky players turned physical when he stepped onto the court.
He had been involved in a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud before entering the playing area. Security removed him, and several days later, one of the team’s owners confirmed that the former New York Knicks center would not be permitted to return to Wintrust Arena.
Arena officials said moving Kanter was intended to respond to his security concerns and promote a safe experience for everyone, with additional protection arranged for him
The incident came two months after Kanter Freedom was removed from a Chicago Sky game
Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream host Game 3 after evening the WNBA Finals at 1-1
Just days ago, Kanter shared a letter the WNBA sent to Congressional Republicans stating that he and fellow ex-NBA player Royce O’Neal would not be allowed to participate in the WNBA Draft. The letter also addressed his ejection from the Sky game.
‘Fans in WNBA arenas are governed by the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct, which, among other things requires that they ‘enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior,’ the letter said.
‘Fans that do not adhere to this Code of Conduct are subject to, among other things, ejection from the premises. As in the case of on-court rules enforcement, the League and its teams seek to apply the Code of Conduct consistently.’
The letter later read: ‘With respect to your questions regarding eligibility, only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men.
‘The WNBA will continue its efforts to ensure the safety, fair treatment and well-being of our players and personnel, including working to address the significant amount of hate and vitriol directed at WNBA players online and on social media.’
Kanter’s challenges to the league come despite the fact that the WNBA has never had a transgender athlete play in its entire history.
The Atlanta Dream host the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3 after they won Game 2 to even the series at one game a piece.