A Seattle Storm co-owner has reportedly been suspended by the WNBA after confronting two young fans who attended Wednesday’s game wearing shirts advocating against transgender women competing in women’s sports.
Before the matchup between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, supporters gathered outside the venue for a rally backing Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
The demonstration came just days after ESPN published a profile of Cunningham in which she expressed opposition to transgender athletes competing alongside biological women in women’s sports. The comments sparked backlash from left-wing critics, but Cunningham later reaffirmed her position rather than backing away from her remarks.
During the game, two young girls seated courtside wore shirts from XX-XY Athletics, a company that openly states its opposition to transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. One of the girls also held a sign reading, “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls.”
According to ESPN, Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted the girls over their shirts and sign. The incident prompted the WNBA to suspend Keaton for the Storm’s next five home games.
Video obtained by Fox News also showed the girls being confronted by other fans during the game.
In the footage, several Storm fans appeared to argue with the parents of the two girls. One man could be heard saying, “Garbage,” while asking security to “take the trash out,” apparently gesturing toward the girls’ parents. Fox News also reported that Keaton told the girls they were “f*cking insane” during the confrontation.
The episode quickly drew additional attention after Cunningham learned about what had occurred.
The Fever guard responded publicly on social media, expressing support for the girls while also emphasizing respect for everyone regardless of differing viewpoints.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY,” Cunningham wrote. “Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon. Yay for gifts.”
Cunningham also criticized the conduct attributed to the Storm co-owner, writing, “Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is.”
The controversy followed Cunningham’s public comments opposing transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, a position that generated criticism from left-wing opponents before Wednesday’s game.
The incident inside Climate Pledge Arena has now resulted in disciplinary action from the WNBA, with Keaton sidelined for Seattle’s next five home contests. It also intensified the debate surrounding women’s sports, free expression, and the treatment of fans who publicly display their views while attending professional sporting events.
The confrontation involving the young girls, their parents, other spectators, and a member of the Storm’s ownership group has since become a focal point following Cunningham’s remarks and the league’s decision to issue a suspension.
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