Dream Moves Enes Kanter Freedom to Private Suite for Security

Security concerns prompted the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena to arrange private accommodations for former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries in Atlanta on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The arrangement included additional security and a state police officer assigned to Freedom at his request.

State Farm Arena confirmed that Freedom had contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Dream and arena officials about his personal safety ahead of the game. Officials said the decision followed consultations with league representatives, team ownership, arena leadership and security personnel.

The arena said protecting guests and staff remained its highest priority. Freedom was directed to watch the game from a private luxury suite intended to address his concerns and provide a secure viewing location.

In a post on X accompanied by a video, Freedom claimed arena security was preventing him from using the seats he had purchased.

"Enes Kanter Freedom has contacted federal, state and local authorities, the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream and State Farm Arena officials to express concerns about his personal safety during his planned attendance at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight," State Farm Arena said in a statement.

The arena outlined its security response and explained the purpose of the private accommodation.

"The safety and security of our guests and team members is our highest priority.

Following consultations with the WNBA, Dream ownership, State Farm Arena leadership and security officials, we have directed Mr. Freedom to watch tonight's game from a private luxury suite. This arrangement is intended to address his security concerns and help provide a safe and positive experience for him and other guests.

The suite will have additional security and will be his designated viewing location for the game. State police have also assigned an officer to Mr. Freedom at his request," State Farm Arena said.

Freedom also suggested in his social media post that security might remove him from the building. The Dream and State Farm Arena did not confirm whether he had attempted to enter the venue or access his original seats.

Freedom said his decision to attend the game followed comments by Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams supporting transgender athletes competing in the league. He referenced Williams' position in explaining his motivation for attending.

"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,'" Freedom said in his post.

Freedom and former NBA player Royce White have both declared for the WNBA draft, stating that they identify as women. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said the league considers neither individual eligible to play.

On Wednesday, Freedom shared a photograph from Atlanta and published a letter from Engelbert responding to a question from U.S. Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman of Indiana about transgender athletes' eligibility in the WNBA.

Engelbert addressed the league's eligibility requirements in the letter, referring specifically to Freedom and White.

"With respect to your questions regarding eligibility, only women are eligible to play in the WNBA and the individuals you cite in your letter are both men," Engelbert said.

Freedom criticized the commissioner's position in his response to the letter.

"Apparently the WNBA still can define what a WOMAN is, but they're absolutely certain they know what a MAN is! How convenient!" Freedom said.