The WNBA has suspended Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team’s next five home games after an incident involving fans supporting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during Tuesday night’s game in Seattle.
According to multiple reports, Keaton allegedly confronted two teenage fans who were holding signs supporting Cunningham, using profanity during the exchange. One of the signs read, “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls!” The confrontation reportedly left one of the teens in tears.
Following the incident, the Storm issued a public apology.
“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,” majority owner Ginny Gilder said in the team’s statement.
The WNBA later announced disciplinary action against Keaton, suspending her from the Storm’s next five home games. Reports also indicate the league fined the Storm organization in connection with the incident.
Cunningham responded publicly on social media, calling the co-owner’s conduct “truly embarrassing.”
While thanking the young fans for their support, Cunningham reiterated that she believes disagreements should never lead to personal attacks and emphasized treating others with kindness and respect.
The incident comes amid heightened attention surrounding Cunningham after her recent comments advocating for women’s sports to remain limited to biological females. Those remarks have generated both support and criticism, leading to demonstrations outside Seattle’s arena before the Fever’s 105-95 victory over the Storm.
The suspension marks one of the rare instances of the WNBA disciplining a team owner for conduct involving fans, underscoring the league’s expectation that everyone associated with its franchises—including ownership—maintains a respectful environment for spectators.
