1 hr. ago
CHICAGO — Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter isn't backing down after the WNBA team ejected former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom from Sunday's game against the Indiana Fever.
Kanter Freedom attended the game at Wintrust Arena and sat courtside wearing a shirt that read, "WOMAN noun. adult human female." During a verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter, Kanter Freedom stepped over photographers to encroach on the baseline during a dead ball.
A combination of team and arena security immediately removed Kanter from the court and eventually from the arena. Alter also immediately left his courtside seat during the altercation and crossed the court to confront Kanter Freedom, visibly instructing him to leave the vicinity and encouraging security to intervene.
It was the latest stunt pulled by the former player as he continues to insert himself into the debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports. Kanter Freedom previously declared for the WNBA draft, causing the league to deny his eligibility earlier this week.
In a conversation Tuesday with local media, Alter said Kanter Freedom will be banned from Sky games at Wintrust Arena for the foreseeable future unless "he's able to prove to our satisfaction that he is able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat."
#wintrust
Kanter Freedom attended the game at Wintrust Arena and sat courtside wearing a shirt that read, "WOMAN noun. adult human female." During a verbal exchange with Sky guard Natasha Cloud in the third quarter, Kanter Freedom stepped over photographers to encroach on the baseline during a dead ball.
A combination of team and arena security immediately removed Kanter from the court and eventually from the arena. Alter also immediately left his courtside seat during the altercation and crossed the court to confront Kanter Freedom, visibly instructing him to leave the vicinity and encouraging security to intervene.
It was the latest stunt pulled by the former player as he continues to insert himself into the debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports. Kanter Freedom previously declared for the WNBA draft, causing the league to deny his eligibility earlier this week.
In a conversation Tuesday with local media, Alter said Kanter Freedom will be banned from Sky games at Wintrust Arena for the foreseeable future unless "he's able to prove to our satisfaction that he is able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat."
#wintrust
1 hr. ago
Alter said Freedom is not allowed back into Wintrust Arena "unless sometime in the future, he's able to prove to us that he's able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat." A Sky spokesperson confirmed Freedom is banned indefinitely from the team's home games. A league source with knowledge of the situation told Front Office Sports that the WNBA does not intend to impose a league-wide ban on Freedom.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: A league source with knowledge of the situation told …
#freedom #league #able #source
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: A league source with knowledge of the situation told …
#freedom #league #able #source
2 hours ago
Enes Kanter Freedom is banned from Chicago Sky games at Wintrust Arena.
In a rare interview with Chicago-based media members, Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter denounced the actions of former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who attended Sunday's game at Wintrust Arena between the Sky and Indiana Fever.
"It was pretty clear to us that his purpose of coming here was trying to be provocative and just see how much attention he could get," Alter told reporters.
Freedom was removed from the third quarter of Sunday's game after an altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Weeks before Sunday's game, Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran who last played in 2022, declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, claiming he identifies as a woman.
Alter said Freedom is not allowed back into Wintrust Arena "unless sometime in the future, he's able to prove to us that he's able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat." A Sky spokesperson confirmed Freedom is banned indefinitely from the team's home games.
#freedom
In a rare interview with Chicago-based media members, Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter denounced the actions of former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who attended Sunday's game at Wintrust Arena between the Sky and Indiana Fever.
"It was pretty clear to us that his purpose of coming here was trying to be provocative and just see how much attention he could get," Alter told reporters.
Freedom was removed from the third quarter of Sunday's game after an altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Weeks before Sunday's game, Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran who last played in 2022, declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, claiming he identifies as a woman.
Alter said Freedom is not allowed back into Wintrust Arena "unless sometime in the future, he's able to prove to us that he's able to abide by our rules without being a potential threat." A Sky spokesperson confirmed Freedom is banned indefinitely from the team's home games.
#freedom
1 day ago
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky on Sunday, following a verbal confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
Kanter Freedom wore a black T-shirt to Sunday's game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago that read, "WOMAN: noun, adult human female."
The shirt appeared to be a reference to the ongoing controversy over the WNBA's approach to transgender players' eligibility and comments from Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who told ESPN in a July interview that the league should block biological males from participation.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images - PHOTO: Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky yell at one another during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, August 23, 2026 in Chicago.
During a timeout in the third quarter of Sunday's game, Cloud was seen approaching Kanter Freedom, who was sitting courtside, shouting and pointing at him. Kanter Freedom then stood with his arms extended and stepped toward the court, before security escorted him out of the arena.
#fever #former #enes
Kanter Freedom wore a black T-shirt to Sunday's game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago that read, "WOMAN: noun, adult human female."
The shirt appeared to be a reference to the ongoing controversy over the WNBA's approach to transgender players' eligibility and comments from Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who told ESPN in a July interview that the league should block biological males from participation.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images - PHOTO: Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky yell at one another during the second half between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, August 23, 2026 in Chicago.
During a timeout in the third quarter of Sunday's game, Cloud was seen approaching Kanter Freedom, who was sitting courtside, shouting and pointing at him. Kanter Freedom then stood with his arms extended and stepped toward the court, before security escorted him out of the arena.
#fever #former #enes
2 days ago
Caitlin Clark met up with new Chicago Fire striker Robert Lewandowski before the Indiana Fever's game in Chicago against the Sky.
Lewandowski left behind a glittering European soccer history to join the MLS's Chicago Fire at 38 years old. He scored 662 goals over 21 years in Europe and now hopes to showcase his talents stateside.
As the Fever came to town, Lewandowski met up with another elite scorer, but in the world of basketball.
Clark met Lewandowski at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago before the Fever vs. Sky game, as Lewandowski was in attendance. The pair had a brief conversation and a photo-op.
Clark put on a show with the soccer star courtside, dropping 37 points with 10 ******* ists in a high-scoring 113-90 win over the Sky.
#lewandowski #clark #years
Lewandowski left behind a glittering European soccer history to join the MLS's Chicago Fire at 38 years old. He scored 662 goals over 21 years in Europe and now hopes to showcase his talents stateside.
As the Fever came to town, Lewandowski met up with another elite scorer, but in the world of basketball.
Clark met Lewandowski at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago before the Fever vs. Sky game, as Lewandowski was in attendance. The pair had a brief conversation and a photo-op.
Clark put on a show with the soccer star courtside, dropping 37 points with 10 ******* ists in a high-scoring 113-90 win over the Sky.
#lewandowski #clark #years
2 days ago
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom wore a shirt featuring the biological definition of a woman ("adult human female") courtside during the Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky WNBA game on Sunday night.
The bold stunt got Kanter kicked out of the Wintrust Arena after he engaged in a heated argument with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
According to Indy Star, "Cloud started yelling at Kanter Freedom, who was sitting on the baseline, and Cloud needed to be held back by teammate DiJonai Carrington and Fever security."
The report added: "Kanter Freedom was then escorted off the baseline to loud boos from the crowd, talked briefly with security behind the basket, then slowly walked off the court while puffing out the "Woman" T-shirt."
Kanter's stunt comes after he declared for the WNBA Draft by identifying as a woman, amid the ongoing debate over transgender athletes' participation in the league. Shortly after Kanter, another former NBA player, Royce White, declared for the 2027 Draft.
#woman #WNBA
The bold stunt got Kanter kicked out of the Wintrust Arena after he engaged in a heated argument with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
According to Indy Star, "Cloud started yelling at Kanter Freedom, who was sitting on the baseline, and Cloud needed to be held back by teammate DiJonai Carrington and Fever security."
The report added: "Kanter Freedom was then escorted off the baseline to loud boos from the crowd, talked briefly with security behind the basket, then slowly walked off the court while puffing out the "Woman" T-shirt."
Kanter's stunt comes after he declared for the WNBA Draft by identifying as a woman, amid the ongoing debate over transgender athletes' participation in the league. Shortly after Kanter, another former NBA player, Royce White, declared for the 2027 Draft.
#woman #WNBA
2 days ago
Some courtside trolling by former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom led to a confrontation with Chicago Sky star Natasha Cloud on Sunday night at Wintrust Arena, and the WNBA is taking notice.
Kanter Freedom stepped toward the court and began exchanging words with Cloud, before he was escorted away from his seat.
Ultimately, Kanter Freedom was removed from the arena.
WATCH: Enes Kanter Freedom kicked out of Fever-Sky game after confronting Natasha Cloud
After the game, Cloud did not speak to the media, but she did have conversations about the incident, according to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.
#kanter #arena #sunday
Kanter Freedom stepped toward the court and began exchanging words with Cloud, before he was escorted away from his seat.
Ultimately, Kanter Freedom was removed from the arena.
WATCH: Enes Kanter Freedom kicked out of Fever-Sky game after confronting Natasha Cloud
After the game, Cloud did not speak to the media, but she did have conversations about the incident, according to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.
#kanter #arena #sunday
3 days ago
The Chicago Sky-Golden State Valkryries game on Friday night was interrupted in the third quarter after multiple ******* toys were thrown on to the court at Wintrust Arena.
Play was stopped as players remained on the court as the items were removed.
Sky guard Natasha Cloud sounded off on the fans who have taken part in the disruptions, calling them "lame as f***."
"That hate is unwarranted ... and it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group [they have a problem with]," Cloud said. "And the men that are throwing it, it shows that you are weak. Like, extremely weak. And it says a lot about how you feel about women."
It was the second consecutive night that an incident involving ******* toys being thrown onto the court delayed a WNBA game. The Atlanta Dream-Los Angeles Sparks game on Thursday in Los Angeles was halted and a male suspect was given a citation after being detained by arena security. According to The Athletic, the individual, who was released, has been banned from "all WNBA, NBA and affiliated league games and events."
#arena #thrown #individual
Play was stopped as players remained on the court as the items were removed.
Sky guard Natasha Cloud sounded off on the fans who have taken part in the disruptions, calling them "lame as f***."
"That hate is unwarranted ... and it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group [they have a problem with]," Cloud said. "And the men that are throwing it, it shows that you are weak. Like, extremely weak. And it says a lot about how you feel about women."
It was the second consecutive night that an incident involving ******* toys being thrown onto the court delayed a WNBA game. The Atlanta Dream-Los Angeles Sparks game on Thursday in Los Angeles was halted and a male suspect was given a citation after being detained by arena security. According to The Athletic, the individual, who was released, has been banned from "all WNBA, NBA and affiliated league games and events."
#arena #thrown #individual
20 days ago
Chicago (12-19) defeated Los Angeles (11-18), 95-88, Wednesday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
Former Tennessee women's basketball player Rae Burrell started and played 31 minutes for the Sparks. She totaled 13 points, five ***** ists, two rebounds and one block. Burrell converted 4-of-8 field goal attempts, 2-of-4 three-point attempts and 3-of-3 free throw attempts.
Los Angeles' Dearica Hamby led all scorers with 22 points, while Erica Wheeler finished with 14 points for the Sparks.
Los Angles will next play Thursday versus Minnesota. Tipoff between the Sparks and Lynx is slated for 9 p.m. EDT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Natasha Cloud, Kamilla Cardoso and Jacy Sheldon scored 15 points each for the Sky.
#angeles #points
Former Tennessee women's basketball player Rae Burrell started and played 31 minutes for the Sparks. She totaled 13 points, five ***** ists, two rebounds and one block. Burrell converted 4-of-8 field goal attempts, 2-of-4 three-point attempts and 3-of-3 free throw attempts.
Los Angeles' Dearica Hamby led all scorers with 22 points, while Erica Wheeler finished with 14 points for the Sparks.
Los Angles will next play Thursday versus Minnesota. Tipoff between the Sparks and Lynx is slated for 9 p.m. EDT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Natasha Cloud, Kamilla Cardoso and Jacy Sheldon scored 15 points each for the Sky.
#angeles #points
1 month ago
WNBA All-Star Weekend is upon us, and the forecast calls for raining 3s.
Friday night begins with the new Shooting Stars event, which zips through the past, present and future of women’s basketball. Its call sheet includes Hall of Famers Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson. Up next is the always entertaining 3-point contest, which includes an All-Star introduction for rookie Azzi Fudd and another showcase for bucket-getter Marina Mabrey.
Prepare accordingly with this Friday night TV primer.
Venue: Wintrust Arena — Chicago
Date: Friday, July 24
#star #famers
Friday night begins with the new Shooting Stars event, which zips through the past, present and future of women’s basketball. Its call sheet includes Hall of Famers Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson. Up next is the always entertaining 3-point contest, which includes an All-Star introduction for rookie Azzi Fudd and another showcase for bucket-getter Marina Mabrey.
Prepare accordingly with this Friday night TV primer.
Venue: Wintrust Arena — Chicago
Date: Friday, July 24
#star #famers
1 month ago
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu has dominated the WNBA 3-Point Contest for years, setting the all-time 3-point contest record in both the WNBA and NBA after scoring 37 of 40 points in 2023. But Ionescu won't be participating at this year's contest in Chicago, meaning bragging rights are up for grabs.
Ionescu, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride were invited to participate in the 3-point contest, but declined, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey and Atlanta Dream forward Rhyne Howard headline the field of six WNBA stars set to participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-Point contest on Friday, July 24, which precedes the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game between Team Teresa Weatherspoon and Team Cynthia Cooper on Saturday.
The 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars contest is also taking place Friday at Wintrust Arena.
Mabrey and Howard rank first and second in the league, respectively, in 3-pointers made. Howard previously participated in the competition in 2022, while Mabrey competed in the 2024 event. Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is the only rookie in the competition.
#team #stars
Ionescu, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride were invited to participate in the 3-point contest, but declined, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey and Atlanta Dream forward Rhyne Howard headline the field of six WNBA stars set to participate in the 2026 WNBA 3-Point contest on Friday, July 24, which precedes the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game between Team Teresa Weatherspoon and Team Cynthia Cooper on Saturday.
The 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars contest is also taking place Friday at Wintrust Arena.
Mabrey and Howard rank first and second in the league, respectively, in 3-pointers made. Howard previously participated in the competition in 2022, while Mabrey competed in the 2024 event. Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is the only rookie in the competition.
#team #stars
2 months ago
The WNBA will host several All-Star weekend activities at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago later this month, becoming the first professional sports league to christen the newly opened venue.
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
3 months ago
Where to watch Dream vs. Sky today: Channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for Angel Reese return to Chicago originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Angel Reese returns to Chicago for the second time this season as the Dream get ready to take on the Sky during the Commissioner's Cup.
Since being traded to Atlanta, Reese has helped the squad become a top competitor in the league, currently sitting at 7-3 and first in the Eastern Conference. In the team's preseason matchup against Chicago, the Dream won 87-78 on the road at Wintrust Arena.
On the other hand, the Sky have been struggling, sitting at 12th overall in the league. Wins over strong squads like the Fire, Valkyries and Lynx were promising as the regular season started, but Chicago has only been able to score a victory against the Sun since then.
Who will take the win this time?
Angel Reese returns to Chicago for the second time this season as the Dream get ready to take on the Sky during the Commissioner's Cup.
Since being traded to Atlanta, Reese has helped the squad become a top competitor in the league, currently sitting at 7-3 and first in the Eastern Conference. In the team's preseason matchup against Chicago, the Dream won 87-78 on the road at Wintrust Arena.
On the other hand, the Sky have been struggling, sitting at 12th overall in the league. Wins over strong squads like the Fire, Valkyries and Lynx were promising as the regular season started, but Chicago has only been able to score a victory against the Sun since then.
Who will take the win this time?
4 months ago
Iowa basketballs Bennett Stirtz invited to 2026 NBA Draft Combine
After a sensational senior year with Iowa basketball, point guard Bennett Stirtz has officially been invited to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago from May 10-17, according to the NBA.
Stirtz, who made stops at Northwest Missouri State and Drake before his lone season at Iowa, finished with a career Division I average of 19.5 points, 5.0 ***** ists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game on 48.7% field goal shooting, 37.2% 3-point shooting, and 82% from the free-throw line.
Stirtz averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 ***** ists per game on 47.7% field goal shooting and 35.8% 3-point shooting last year with the Hawkeyes.
Alongside Stirtz, 14 other players from the Big Ten are listed among the 72 other names, including three from Michigan, three from Illinois, two from Wisconsin, and one each from UCLA, Purdue, Michigan State, Washington, Northwestern, and Ohio State.
Stirtz will join the 72 other NBA draft-eligible prospects from across the nation at the AWS NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena and the Mariotte Marquis in Chicago with the 2026 NBA Draft occurring at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., from June 23-24.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
After a sensational senior year with Iowa basketball, point guard Bennett Stirtz has officially been invited to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago from May 10-17, according to the NBA.
Stirtz, who made stops at Northwest Missouri State and Drake before his lone season at Iowa, finished with a career Division I average of 19.5 points, 5.0 ***** ists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game on 48.7% field goal shooting, 37.2% 3-point shooting, and 82% from the free-throw line.
Stirtz averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 ***** ists per game on 47.7% field goal shooting and 35.8% 3-point shooting last year with the Hawkeyes.
Alongside Stirtz, 14 other players from the Big Ten are listed among the 72 other names, including three from Michigan, three from Illinois, two from Wisconsin, and one each from UCLA, Purdue, Michigan State, Washington, Northwestern, and Ohio State.
Stirtz will join the 72 other NBA draft-eligible prospects from across the nation at the AWS NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena and the Mariotte Marquis in Chicago with the 2026 NBA Draft occurring at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., from June 23-24.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
