Freedom said he wanted to sit in the seat he had purchased. In a video posted at halftime, he said he had been ejected and described the incident as being removed for supporting women.

The Dream said the suite was offered as part of a security plan. The team said its top priority was the safety of guests and staff, and that officials had consulted law enforcement after concerns about Freedom’s attendance. The designated suite was intended to provide a private viewing location and address those concerns, the team said.

The game was the second WNBA contest this season that Freedom did not see through to the end. He was previously barred from attending a Chicago Sky game in August after an interaction with player Natasha Cloud, according to the report.

Freedom’s appearance at the Finals drew attention amid his public comments about transgender athletes and eligibility in women’s sports. He has said he attends games to support women athletes.

The Dream faced a choice between accommodating a ticket holder’s request to use his purchased seat and enforcing a security arrangement it said was made to protect people at the event. The team did not provide further details about the specific concerns behind the plan.