Overview
- Two teenage fans wearing XX‑XY Athletics shirts and holding signs supporting Sophie Cunningham say a Storm co‑owner verbally confronted them courtside on July 28 and called them “f***ing insane,” leaving one girl in tears.
- The WNBA confirmed it has suspended co‑owner Celeste Keaton from the Storm’s next five home games and assessed an undisclosed fine after the league investigated the incident.
- Seattle Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder apologized for the episode and said the team is committed to an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.
- Sophie Cunningham publicly supported the teens, called Keaton’s behavior “truly embarrassing,” pledged to send gifts to the girls, and organizers have scheduled rallies at the Fever’s upcoming road games in Portland and Minneapolis.
- The episode has renewed scrutiny of owner and fan conduct in the WNBA, highlighted courtside safety concerns, and shown how charged debates over transgender athletes are playing out inside and outside arenas.