Chicago Sky ownership filed a response to Enes Kanter Freedom's lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations, calling the complaint "meritless and frivolous" in language that suggests the franchise expects dismissal before discovery. The case stems from Freedom's ejection from the Sky's August 23 game, where he claims his removal was politically motivated.
Freedom, the former NBA center who became a U.S. citizen and changed his surname in 2021, alleges venue staff removed him for wearing a t-shirt critical of the Chinese government. Sky ownership argues the ejection was conduct-based, not speech-based, and that private venues retain discretion over spectator behavior regardless of political messaging. The filing does not specify what conduct triggered the ejection. It does note that Freedom remained in the concourse for 23 minutes after initial contact with security, a timeline that will matter if the case reaches depositions.
The Sky's legal posture matters beyond this single complaint. WNBA teams increasingly court Chinese sponsors—the league signed a multi-year broadcast deal with Tencent in 2022, and four franchises now carry Chinese sportswear or beverage partnerships. Freedom has built a post-NBA profile on antagonizing Beijing, creating exactly the friction points that franchise counsel now needs case law to address. If Sky ownership succeeds in early dismissal, expect similar language in future responses when activists buy tickets to platforms.
The case also surfaces tensions inside the franchise's stakeholder base. Sky ownership includes investors who've backed progressive causes, and the team's June Pride Night drew 8,200 fans, the second-highest attendance that season. Freedom's lawsuit claims viewpoint discrimination, a charge that creates reputational risk regardless of legal merit when the defendant markets itself as justice-forward. The franchise's choice to label the suit "frivolous" rather than engage the substance suggests confidence that discovery won't surface damaging internal communications about Freedom's politics.
Meanwhile, Freedom continues filing similar complaints. He sued the Boston Celtics in federal court last year over claims they blackballed him for political speech, a case that remains in motion practice. He's threatened litigation against NBA arenas in three other cities. The pattern creates two futures: either he wins once and resets sponsorship risk calculus across American sports, or he loses everywhere and becomes a case study in why ex-athletes shouldn't self-litigate grievance into business strategy.
The Sky's motion to dismiss is expected within 60 days. If denied, depositions would likely begin in Q2 2025, putting current and former Sky staff under oath about sponsor sensitivities and ejection protocols. Freedom's legal team has not yet filed an amended complaint, which typically signals either confidence in the original pleading or resource constraints. The franchise declined to comment beyond the court filing.
Chicago plays its next home game February 1. Freedom has not publicly stated whether he plans to attend.
The takeaway
Sky ownership's dismissal motion will test whether WNBA franchises can eject fans for conduct without triggering First Amendment liability when politics are involved.
Editorial & Disclosure Notice: This article was written with artificial intelligence from public sources and is published without individual human review. Artificial intelligence and other digital tools are also used for research, analysis, editing, formatting, and production. Errors, omissions, outdated information, or inaccuracies may occur. References to companies, brands, products, services, organizations, or individuals are for informational and editorial purposes and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, partnership, or approval unless expressly stated. All trademarks and other intellectual property remain the property of their respective owners. Opinions, analysis, estimates, and commentary are informational only and should not be construed as financial, investment, legal, tax, medical, procurement, or other professional advice. Information may be corrected, clarified, or updated after publication. Corrections or removal requests: jenny@pops4.com.
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