Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom has been directed to watch Game 3 of the WNBA Finals from a private luxury suite rather than his purchased courtside seat, following reports that he received death threats. The decision was made by State Farm Arena officials in consultation with the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream, and security teams. Freedom defied the directive in a video posted to X, stating, "I guess they'll have to drag me," and insisting on sitting in the seat he purchased.
The arrangement applies to the matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena. A statement provided to OutKick by the arena confirmed that Freedom contacted federal, state, and local authorities, as well as the WNBA and team officials, to express concerns about his personal safety. The arena stated that the suite arrangement was intended to address these concerns and provide a safe experience for him and other guests. State police assigned an officer to Freedom at his request.
Freedom told OutKick he was in contact with the FBI and the office of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp regarding the threats. He claimed to have received "thousands of death threats" after announcing his plans to attend, including messages referencing the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The number of threats has not been independently verified. A spokesperson for Governor Kemp confirmed that the governor's office connected Freedom's team with appropriate law enforcement resources.
In a phone conversation captured on video, a security representative informed Freedom that the suite was the only available option for him that night. Freedom responded that he did not want a suite and would sit in his purchased seat, adding that media would hear about the situation. The representative maintained that the suite was the designated viewing location.
Freedom's planned attendance follows his removal from an August game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after a heated interaction with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. He was subsequently banned from the Chicago arena. The former NBA player has also challenged WNBA eligibility rules for transgender athletes and announced an attempt to enter its draft. Despite the security measures, Freedom stated he intended to attend to support women's basketball and said he would avoid escalating any encounters with players.
The WNBA moved Games 3 and 4 of the Finals to State Farm Arena, providing thousands more seats than the previous venue, Gateway Center Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. Eastern.