Anti-trans athlete activist Enes Kanter Freedom took his dispute with the Chicago Sky to federal court on Thursday. The former NBA center filed a 15-page complaint in the Illinois US District Court, alleging his First Amendment rights were violated by the WNBA team.
He named the Sky, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (operators of Wintrust Arena), and the city of Chicago as defendants.
Chicago Sky Sued by Enes Kanter Freedom for Ejection, Ban
The lawsuit traces back to an August 23rd incident at Wintrust Arena during a Fever vs Sky game.
Kanter Freedom attended wearing a shirt that read "WOMAN noun. adult human female." With 1:22 remaining in the third quarter, a verbal clash with guard Natasha Cloud prompted security to escort him out.
Sky owner Michael Alter followed up two days later with an indefinite arena ban. He characterized Kanter Freedom as someone who "has the potential to be a threat," alleging he began to approach the court and players before officials got involved.
But Kanter Freedom is arguing that both the removal and ban were unconstitutional retaliation for protected speech. The filing further alleges the three defendants coordinated to enforce the ban.
WNBA Trans Athlete Controversy Continues
The complaint is just the latest bit of controversy in an ongoing debate over trans athletes and WNBA eligibility rules.
Kanter Freedom has spoken out on the issue for months. He recently declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft in a publicity stunt meant to provoke supporters of trans inclusion in the league.
Neither the Sky nor the WNBA have publicly commented on the lawsuit.
