Overview
- The WNBA fined and barred Seattle Storm co‑owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team’s next five home games after reports that she yelled at two teenage fans who held pro‑Sophie Cunningham signs at the July 28 game.
- Sophie Cunningham praised the league’s action in a social post, said she will contact the teens and reiterated that she wants people treated kindly even when they disagree.
- The Indiana Fever used a prepared postgame statement saying neither the team nor Cunningham knew about the pregame rally, and the organization declined to make Cunningham or Caitlin Clark available for non‑basketball questions, prompting public criticism.
- WNBA reporter Roberta Rodrigues and others who criticized Cunningham or the rally reported receiving hateful messages and threats, highlighting ongoing safety and harassment concerns for players and journalists.
- The episode unfolded while the Fever continued a high‑profile winning run led by Caitlin Clark, and it may prompt tighter league oversight of owner conduct, clearer team media policies, and increased attention to how venues protect fans and staff.