Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom looks on during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on August 23, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was escorted from State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday after rejecting a private suite arrangement for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, according to FOX News.
The Atlanta Dream and arena officials told FOX 5 Atlanta that the suite, which had additional security, was arranged after Freedom contacted authorities and team officials about concerns for his safety.
Dispute over seating
What they're saying:
Freedom said he wanted to sit in the seats he had purchased. Arena officials reportedly told him he could enter only if he agreed to use the designated suite. He declined the arrangement and a refund, continuing to ask for access to his seats.
After a lengthy exchange at the arena entrance, police told Freedom to leave the property. He eventually left with officers.
Freedom later claimed he was removed because of his advocacy and accused the league and arena of discrimination. Freedom previously said he received threats after announcing plans to attend the game in downtown Atlanta.
Who is Enes Kanter Freedom?
Freedom is a Turkish-American former NBA center who played 11 seasons in the league.
He has become a vocal opponent of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports and has said he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, according to the Washington Post.
RELATED: Enes Kanter Freedom responds after WNBA informs Congress about draft eligibility
In August, Freedom was ejected from a Chicago Sky game after an exchange with guard Natasha Cloud.
The Sky later banned him from Wintrust Arena. He filed a federal lawsuit against the team and other arena-related defendants, alleging his First Amendment rights were violated.