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Seattle Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton has been fined and suspended by the WNBA after a confrontation with a pair of teenage fans during a game against the Indiana Fever on July 28, IndyStar confirmed Thursday.
Keaton approached the girls who were seated courtside during the Fever's win and cursed at them. The girls showed support for Fever player Sophie Cunningham , who had said last week that trans women should not be allowed in women's sports.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a statement released by the team. “We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.”
A league source said Keaton has been suspended for the Storm's next five home games.
Several fans at the game showed support for Cunningham's position -- including a rally outside the arena prior to the game -- while others supported transgender athletes. The event was organized by Women are Real, Brandi Kruse and Known Heretic.
“Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers,” the Fever said in a statement after the game. “Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission."
Cunningham commented on the situation on social media:
"I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind.
"Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon💕 yay for gifts.
"Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is."
I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from… https://t.co/gIVWhEHi3Q
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 30, 2026 Sophie Cunningham comments on trans women in women's sports
Cunningham discussed her stance on trans women in sports in an ESPN profile and reiterated her stance to Indianapolis media.
“It’s kind of common sense, and I think I’ll always believe in that,” Cunningham said. “I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. So I stand on what I said, and I’ll always believe that.”
The Fever responded with a statement shortly after Cunningham’s pregame comments, reaffirming their commitment to a diverse fanbase.
“Our players are thoughtful adults with their own perspectives and voices, and those views are their own,” the team said. “We are committed to welcoming fans from every background and treating everyone with respect, and that’s what guides us as an organization.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Seattle Storm co-owner suspended after confrontation with Sophie Cunningham fans at game
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