Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
WNBA and Atlanta Dream direct Enes Kanter Freedom to watch Finals in suite
The Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena directed Enes Kanter Freedom to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from a private suite in Atlanta.
The arena said the arrangement followed Freedom’s requests for help with concerns about his personal safety.
Freedom said in a social media post that he was being barred from his purchased seats, but the arena and team have not confirmed whether he tried to enter or sit there.
The suite has extra security, and a state police officer was assigned to him at his request.
Freedom is a former NBA player who has declared for the WNBA draft, but commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said he is not eligible.
He has also challenged the league’s position on transgender athletes and was previously ejected from a Chicago Sky game and banned from that arena after a heated exchange with a player.
It is unclear whether Freedom will attend the game or accept the suite.
State Farm Arena directed Enes Kanter Freedom to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from a private suite rather than his purchased seats.
The arena said the arrangement addressed safety concerns Freedom had raised and that the suite would have additional security.
Freedom said on social media that he was being banned from his seats and objected to the change.
The arena said state police assigned an officer to Freedom at his request.
The dispute comes amid Freedom’s public challenge to the WNBA’s eligibility rules for transgender athletes.
- Who
- Enes Kanter Freedom, the Atlanta Dream, State Farm Arena and the WNBA.
- What
- Freedom was directed to watch Game 3 from a private suite instead of his purchased seats.
- When
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Why
- The arena said the arrangement was intended to address Freedom’s concerns about his personal safety.
Enes Kanter Freedom
State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Dream
Seats
Enes Kanter Freedom
Freedom said he wanted to sit in the seats he had purchased.
State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Dream
The arena directed him to watch from a private luxury suite.
Reason
Enes Kanter Freedom
Freedom objected publicly to being kept from his seats.
State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Dream
The arena said the suite arrangement addressed his safety concerns and would help protect him and other guests.
Freedom announced on social media that he planned to attend the game.
State Farm Arena directed Freedom to watch Game 3 from a private suite.
Freedom posted that arena security was banning him from his purchased seats.
- Game
- Game 3 of the WNBA Finals
- Venue
- State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- Suite
- Private luxury suite with additional security
- Security
- State police assigned an officer to Freedom at his request
- Opponent
- Golden State Valkyries
5 sources
Enes Kanter Freedom says he was 'kicked out of' Game 3 of WNBA Finals after refusing suite
Enes Kanter Freedom 'barred from his courtside seats' at WNBA finals in fresh storm... as controversial ex-NBA star vows: 'They will have to drag me out!'
Dream arrange suite for Kanter Freedom at Finals to address his safety concerns
What people are saying
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.
State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request.
I guess they have to drag me
Apparently the WNBA still can define what a WOMAN is, but they're absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!
Posts on X
🚨 ATTENTION! Just talked to director of security of the @NBA and they are now banning us from our purchased seats. Shame on @WNBA I guess they have to escort me out of the building. Stay tuned.
🚨 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
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