The WNBA has fined and suspended Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team’s next five home games following an altercation with two teenage fans, according to Foxnews and The Seattle Times. The incident occurred during Tuesday’s game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, where the Indiana Fever defeated the Storm 105-95, as reported by The Seattle Times.
WNBA Suspends Seattle Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton After Confrontation With Fans
The two young women were sitting courtside wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts—apparel from a brand that opposes the participation of transgender women in women’s sports—and held up signs reading We love you Sophie
and Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls,
according to Yahoo Sports. The demonstration followed recent remarks made by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in an ESPN article expressing opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports.
Fans Allege Verbal Abuse and Arena Confrontation
According to the teens’ accounts on an Undivided podcast cited by the New York Post, Keaton confronted them during the game and stated that Jesus loves everyone.
The fans alleged that Keaton then told them, I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you’ve done,
and pointed at her head while calling them “f—– insane” and adding, God can save you,
leaving one of the fans in tears.
Independent Seattle-based journalist Brandi Kruse, who was in the arena and accompanied the girls, pressed security to confront the woman after being informed by a guard that she was one of the team’s owners, noting that the conduct violated the arena’s code of conduct, per Foxnews. Kruse also clarified that the girls chose to put their signs away because they felt scared and uncomfortable, rather than being forced to do so by staff.
Storm Leadership Issues Apology as League Takes Action
Following the incident, Seattle Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a public apology, stating via Yahoo Sports and Marca: We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game. 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.
The WNBA subsequently confirmed the disciplinary action against Keaton, fining the team an undisclosed amount and barring the minority owner from the team’s next five home games, as detailed by The Seattle Times.
Sophie Cunningham Responds to the Controversy
Sophie Cunningham addressed the controversy on X on Wednesday night, calling Keaton’s behavior truly embarrassing
and stating that it unfortunately shows the type of leader she is,
according to Foxnews and the New York Post. Cunningham praised the young fans for standing up for what they believe,
adding that she planned to send them gifts.
Outside Climate Pledge Arena, a pregame rally featured a few dozen demonstrators supporting Cunningham, while a smaller counterprotest gathered to advocate for transgender inclusion, as reported by Yahoo Sports and Marca. Inside the arena, Cunningham was met with boos from portions of the Seattle crowd, and Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a shirt reading Trans rights are human rights.
The Indiana Fever organization released a statement emphasizing that neither the team nor Cunningham had any prior knowledge of or involvement in the outside demonstration.
