The debate on whether trans athletes should compete in women’s sports continues to divide opinion among the WNBA world. As part of a protest amid the ongoing controversy, former NBA player Enes Kanter has declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft and was present at the Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game on Sunday.
Kanter got in a heated argument with Sky guard Natasha Cloud during the third quarter of Sunday’s game at Wintrust Arena. WNBA fans took to social media to push back, with some questioning the latter’s stance and making it clear they weren’t convinced.
Natasha Cloud Faces Backlash From WNBA World After Heated Exchange With Enes Kanter
Cloud had to be held back by her teammates as she exchanged words with Kanter, who was sitting courtside. The latter was ejected from the arena after the exchange.
Afterward, Cloud posted a message on Threads, writing, “To every trans kid/person, you are a part of my community and tribe. You belong. You’re loved. You’re seen. You’re perfect as you are, and you will always be protected by me.”
The WNBA world did not hold back in its reactions to Cloud’s comments. A user wrote, “The way the Democrats are going, they might nominate Natasha Cloud for President in 2028.”
The way the Democrats are going, they might nominate Natasha Cloud for President in 2028.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) August 24, 2026
Another fan questioned Cloud’s justification for her actions, arguing, “She seems to justify her misconduct tonight against Enes Kanter as ‘protecting’ her team or people that need to be protected. She is trying to portray that biological men playing in women’s sports need protecting? It is the opposite; women need to be protected. Natasha Cloud needs to be held accountable for her outrage while in uniform and violating WNBA CBA.”
She seems to justify her misconduct tonight against Enes Kanter as “protecting” her team or people that need to be protected.
She is trying to portray that biological men playing in woman’s sports need protecting? It is the opposite; women need to be protected
Natasha Cloud… pic.twitter.com/0bCDpy4BnM
— Bella 🎗 🇺🇲 (@Bella91320) August 24, 2026
Others were more direct in their criticism, with one writing, “Say what? She’s a bigot who just discriminated against a trans person.”
Say what? She’s a bigot who just discriminated against a trans person.
— StopCincyStreetcar (@EndTheStreetcar) August 24, 2026
Another fan viewed the incident as an attempt to shift attention elsewhere after the Sky’s defeat, writing, “Trying to distract from that whipping that Caitlin Clark put on them.”
Trying to distract from that whipping that Caitlin Clark put on them.
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) August 24, 2026
Some users on social media simply expressed confusion, with a fan writing, “This makes no sense.”
The Sky went on to lose 113–90 to the Fever on Sunday, with Cloud finishing with a team-high 16 points and seven assists. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 11.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game this season.
The Sky have already been eliminated from playoff contention and will return to action on Tuesday against the Connecticut Sun.
