The WNBA has suspended Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team’s next five home games and fined the franchise an undisclosed amount. According to Foxnews, the disciplinary action stems from an incident on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, during the Storm’s 105-95 loss to the Indiana Fever at The Seattle Times in Seattle.
WNBA Suspends Seattle Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton After Fan Altercation
During the game, two teenage fans were sitting courtside wearing apparel from XX-XY Athletics—a company named after chromosome pairings that advocates against the inclusion of transgender women in female sports, as noted by the New York Post. The teenagers held signs that read Thank you, Sophie for speaking up for girls!
and We love you Sophie,
referencing Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham had recently generated public debate after making comments opposing transgender women competing in women’s sports.
According to accounts shared by the teenagers on a podcast hosted by Brandi Kruse, Keaton confronted the pair during the contest. The teens stated that Keaton told them “Jesus loves everyone” before allegedly stating, “I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you’ve done,” pointing at her head, adding that “God can save you,” and calling them “f—ing insane
.” One of the fans reported being left in tears by the confrontation.
Team Leadership Apologizes and Sophie Cunningham Responds
Seattle Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a statement addressing the confrontation. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Gilder stated: 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.
Sophie Cunningham addressed the incident on X, writing: Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is.
Cunningham also praised the young fans for standing up for their beliefs and promised them gifts. In her statements regarding her original comments on women’s sports, Cunningham asserted that her perspective came from a desire to protect female athletes rather than from hatred.
Broader Context Surrounding the Game
The matchup drew heightened attention due to the ongoing public discussion regarding transgender athletes. A pre-game rally took place outside Climate Pledge Arena with demonstrators supporting Cunningham, while a smaller counter-protest gathered nearby in support of transgender inclusion. Inside the arena, Cunningham was met with boos from portions of the Seattle crowd. Additionally, Storm center Stefanie Dolson arrived at the venue wearing a shirt that read Trans rights are human rights.
The Indiana Fever released a statement clarifying that neither the franchise nor Cunningham had any involvement with or knowledge of the pre-game demonstration outside the arena. Meanwhile, the WNBA confirmed the penalty against Keaton, marking a high-profile disciplinary action involving a team executive.
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