Enes Kanter was escorted out of Wintrust Arena on Sunday following a heated verbal spat with Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
After the game, the former NBA lottery pick went on X to write that he was “kicked out of a WNBA game for supporting WOMEN!”
On Tuesday, Sky owner Michael Alter pushed back on that characterization after speaking with local Chicago media who covered the incident.
Chicago Sky Owner Challenges Enes Kanter’s Narrative Following Natasha Cloud Clash
According to Front Office Sports’ Colin Salao, Alter spoke with local beat writers to get more details about what happened. Based on what he learned, the billionaire said Kanter initiated the exchange with Cloud.
Alter stressed that the back-and-forth was “basketball-related” and “nothing personal,” but said Kanter appeared intent on provoking the Sky guard.
The real estate developer also took issue with Kanter portraying himself as the victim.
“He portrays as this victimless person who did nothing, said nothing. Just wearing a t-shirt … We have five different security authorities that all agreed very quickly to throw him out because he made himself into a threat,” Alter said.
“He portrays as this victimless person who did nothing, said nothing. Just wearing a t-shirt … We have five different security authorities that all agreed very quickly to throw him out because he made himself into a threat,” Alter said.
— Colin Salao (@colincsalao) August 25, 2026
Kanter was wearing a shirt that read “WOMAN noun. adult human female.” while sitting near courtside. The message was a form of support for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham whose stance about exclusivity for women in women’s sports has polarized the WNBA.
Late in the third quarter, Cloud became visibly upset, shouted toward Kanter and approached him. When Kanter saw Cloud walking toward him, he also moved toward the court before security stopped him from getting any closer. After speaking with arena personnel, he left the building as fans cheered and whistled.
The incident adds another chapter to Kanter’s growing involvement in the WNBA.
Earlier this month, he declared his intention to enter the WNBA Draft, arguing that he should be eligible because he identifies as a woman and the league’s CBA does not clearly define the term.
On Monday, Front Office Sports reported that Kanter and fellow former NBA player Royce White are ineligible for the draft. Kanter, however, has not accepted that report as the final word and wants the WNBA to directly address his status as a draft prospect.
The fallout from Sunday’s confrontation has now extended beyond the game itself. Kanter has been barred from the Sky’s home arena, while the WNBA is reportedly considering whether he should also be prohibited from attending other league games.
For now, both sides have offered very different accounts of what happened. The Sky’s decision to bar Kanter reflects the organization’s view that the incident crossed a line, while the WNBA still has to determine whether any further action is warranted.
