Key Highlights
- Enes Kanter Freedom says he will attend WNBA Finals Game 3 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena on October 21 and unveil a new t-shirt.
- In a video posted on X, Freedom tied his campaign to comments from Valkyries star Gabby Williams and directed personal remarks at Dream forward Angel Reese.
- His planned appearance follows an August 23 ejection and arena ban at a Chicago Sky–Indiana Fever game and a subsequent First Amendment lawsuit.
Enes Kanter Freedom Plans WNBA Finals Appearance
Enes Kanter Freedom, the former NBA player and center, has announced plans to attend Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena on October 21, using the championship matchup to promote a new t-shirt in his campaign against the WNBA’s transgender athlete eligibility policies. Freedom confirmed he will be at State Farm Arena as the Dream and Valkyries prepared for Wednesday’s game, promising to unveil the shirt as part of a protest effort that has already drawn attention inside and outside WNBA arenas.
The announcement follows Freedom’s controversial declaration for the 2027 WNBA Draft, a symbolic move intended to challenge the league’s eligibility requirements rather than establish a realistic playing opportunity. In his latest video, Freedom tied his campaign to an interview with Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams, who he said supported transgender athletes competing in women’s basketball.
Freedom said in a video posted on X: “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,'” He continued: “Her words gave me so much hope and motivation to come out as a woman and officially declare for the WNBA Draft.”
Freedom then shifted his attention to Dream forward Angel Reese, claiming she had blocked him on social media. “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 Angel Reese,” he said. He added: “I can’t wait to take some notes on how to finish a layup after grabbing a rebound.”
Bayern Munich Suffer Double Midfield Blow Ahead of Freiburg Clash as Ndiaye Undergoes Surgery
The remarks continue Freedom’s pattern of using provocative public statements to draw attention to his opposition to the league’s policies.
Previous WNBA Protest and First Amendment Lawsuit
Freedom’s planned Finals appearance follows an incident at Wintrust Arena during an August 23 game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The former NBA center attended wearing a black t-shirt displaying the definition “WOMAN noun. adult human female,” prompting attention from spectators and players. During the third quarter, Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached Freedom following a basket, and the pair exchanged words before security intervened. Freedom was subsequently ejected and banned from the arena. He later filed a lawsuit challenging his removal, alleging that his First Amendment rights had been violated. The dispute remains a significant backdrop to his latest plans.
Freedom Promises Surprise at WNBA Finals Game 3
Freedom has refused to reveal the message on his latest t-shirt, instead suggesting that fans should expect something memorable. “Everyone keeps asking me the same question: ‘What t-shirt are you going to wear this time?'” he said. “Well, let me tell you something — this one is going to blow your minds!”
He also claimed he intends to watch the Finals to assess potential competition before his proposed entry into the league next year. His draft declaration doesn’t establish that he meets the WNBA’s eligibility requirements, and there’s no confirmed prospect of him participating in the 2027 season.
The immediate focus, however, remains Wednesday’s championship matchup, where Reese and Williams will be attempting to help their respective teams move closer to the title.
Why This Matters
Freedom’s planned appearance puts a high-profile protest and a symbolic draft declaration directly alongside the WNBA Finals, a championship series featuring the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries and two players he named in his latest video, Angel Reese and Gabby Williams. It also follows his ejection and ban from Wintrust Arena and his lawsuit alleging a First Amendment violation, keeping a legal dispute connected to his arena protest in the background of the Finals. The next scheduled focal point is Game 3 at State Farm Arena on October 21, where Freedom says he will unveil a new t-shirt; his 2027 draft declaration does not establish eligibility, and there is no confirmed prospect of him playing in the 2027 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Enes Kanter Freedom planning to attend the WNBA Finals?
Freedom has said he will attend Game 3 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena on October 21, the Wednesday matchup.
Why did Freedom mention Gabby Williams and Angel Reese?
Freedom said his campaign started after an interview featuring Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams, and he later claimed Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese had blocked him on social media. He directed remarks toward both players in his latest video.
What happened at the previous WNBA game Freedom attended?
At an August 23 game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena, Freedom was ejected and banned from the arena after exchanging words with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. He later filed a lawsuit alleging that his First Amendment rights had been violated.
