WNBA Suspends Seattle Storm Owner Celeste Keaton After Fan Confrontation

WNBA Disciplines Seattle Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton After Fan Confrontation

The confrontation occurred while two young women sat courtside wearing shirts from XX-XY Athletics, a brand opposing the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports. The teenage fans also held up signs reading We love you Sophie and Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls. Their demonstration followed remarks made by Cunningham a week prior regarding transgender participation in women’s sports. Independent journalist Brandi Kruse, who was in the arena and accompanied the girls, stated that Keaton approached the pair and allegedly called them “f—ing insane.”

Team Leadership Issues Apology as Fallout Broadens

Seattle Storm majority owner marca.com issued a public statement via Front Office Sports addressing the incident and apologizing for the behavior of her co-owner. 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, Gilder’s statement read. 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.

Kruse noted that after the confrontation, the teenage fans felt too scared and uncomfortable to continue holding their signs, choosing to put them away. When arena security was alerted, a guard identified the woman as a team owner, a role Keaton has held since joining the Storm’s ownership group when it was purchased in 2024. The ownership group is led by Ginny Gilder and includes WNBA legend Sue Bird.

Player Reactions and Arena Climate Surround the Matchup

Sophie Cunningham addressed the incident on social media, reposting coverage of the suspension and offering support to the fans. 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, Cunningham wrote on X.

The game itself took place amid broader tensions. A pregame rally involving a few dozen people took place outside Climate Pledge Arena to support Cunningham, accompanied by a smaller counterprotest supporting transgender inclusion. Inside the venue, Cunningham was met with boos from portions of the Seattle crowd, and Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a shirt bearing the message Trans rights are human rights. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever released a statement clarifying that neither the franchise nor Cunningham had any prior knowledge or involvement in the outside demonstration.