Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom was directed to watch Wednesday night’s WNBA Finals Game 3 from a private luxury suite at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, after contacting authorities and league officials over personal safety concerns during his planned attendance.
The matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries brought intense athletic competition and an unexpected security mobilization. State Farm Arena leadership, Dream ownership, and the WNBA consulted on the arrangements, while state police assigned an officer to Freedom at his request after he reported receiving thousands of threats.
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be in Atlanta on October 21st for Game 3 of the @WNBA Finals!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… pic.twitter.com/3odxvkEINj
State Farm Arena Luxury Suite Arrangement and Police Protection
Arena officials outlined the security measures in an official release issued shortly before tipoff on October 21, 2026. Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, State Farm Arena stated according to the outlet’s reporting.
The venue added that the safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority
before detailing the designated viewing location.
What’s up, Atlanta?I heard y’all loud and clear.Let me remind y’all one thing,I fear God and God alone.See y’all tomorrow…@WNBA pic.twitter.com/uJxUAl8rP2
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.
State Farm Arena, official statement
Freedom pushed back on the directive in phone conversations with security staff. In a video shared on social media, he argued that arena security was banning them from their purchased seats. When told the suite was the only option available for his safety and the comfort of other fans, Freedom replied I guess they’ll have to drag me,
though it remained unclear whether he ultimately entered the venue.
Gabby Williams Supports Transgender Athletes
The sequence leading to Freedom’s appearance in Atlanta began months earlier amid public discussions over league policies. Freedom announced on social media that he planned to attend the Finals matchup after expressing support for transgender athletes by Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams.
What’s up Atlanta?See y’all tonight…@WNBA pic.twitter.com/RRrqsKAJk9
In May, Williams addressed questions regarding inclusion in professional basketball. We see trans people’s rights being stripped away from them. There’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and where they can compete,
Williams said in remarks covered by the San Francisco Chronicle. I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to kind of attack trans people.
Freedom stated that Williams’ comments motivated him to declare for the league. 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 video post highlighted by Fox News. 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!
League commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed eligibility questions from U.S. Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman of Indiana, stating in a letter that only women are eligible to play and that Freedom and Royce White, another former NBA player who also declared for the draft, are both men. Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the WNBA collective bargaining agreement specifies that only players who are women are eligible to play.
Chicago Sky Ban Freedom After Arena Ejection
Wednesday’s security precautions followed an earlier incident during the regular season. On August 23, 2026, Freedom attended a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena wearing a T-shirt that read WOMAN noun. adult human female.
🚨 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF AMERICA, THE MOMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!The @WNBA has officially responded!IS THE #WNBA TRANSPHOBIC?Apparently, the WNBA still can’t define what a WOMAN is, but they’re absolutely certain they know what a MAN is!How convenient!WNBA… pic.twitter.com/7UAlxO1U7l
During that August matchup, Freedom became involved in a heated verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud near the baseline. Security intervened, and Freedom was ejected from the arena. The Chicago Sky subsequently issued an indefinite ban from home games, with team owner Michael Alter noting that Freedom made himself into a threat after stepping toward Cloud. Freedom later filed a federal lawsuit alleging his First Amendment rights were violated during his removal.
Comments on Angel Reese and On-Court Focus
Alongside his remarks about Williams, Freedom directed comments toward Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese ahead of Game 3. Reese helped the Dream level the best-of-seven series 1-1 with a double-double performance featuring 30 points and 16 rebounds in a 79-65 victory over Golden State.
🚨 ATTENTION! Just talked to director of security of the @NBA and they are now banning us from our purchased seats.Shame on @WNBAI guess they have to escort me out of the building.Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/f2adrlkWhx
In his social media announcement, Freedom claimed Reese had blocked him online. My favorite diva has unfortunately blocked me on social media. But that won’t stop me from showing my appreciation for the one and only @Reese10Angel! I can’t wait to take some notes on how to finish a layup after grabbing a rebound,
Freedom said according to published transcripts of his video message.
I just got kicked out of a @WNBA game for the second time in a row for supporting WOMEN!Let that sink in, AMERICA! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nNmwa9U4xn