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Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton has been fined and suspended from attending the team's next five home games following a confrontation with two fans during Tuesday's WNBA game against the Indiana Fever. The league confirmed the disciplinary action to Reuters on Thursday after reports of the incident emerged.
According to several media outlets, the exchange involved two teenage girls who brought signs to Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena in support of Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The signs referenced Cunningham's comments in a recent ESPN article, in which she expressed support for excluding transgender athletes from women's and girls' sports.
The teenagers later told political commentator Brandi Kruse's unDivided podcast that Keaton confronted them and used offensive language over one sign that thanked Cunningham "for speaking up for girls."
In response to the WNBA's decision, the Storm released a statement acknowledging the punishment handed to Keaton.
"We respect the league's decision to fine and suspend co-owner Celeste Keaton," the statement read. The organization added that it remains committed to providing a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for everyone attending Storm games.
The team had already apologized for the incident on Wednesday. Majority owner Ginny Gilder said the franchise is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their views or background.
Before Tuesday's game, a small group of supporters gathered outside Climate Pledge Arena to demonstrate in support of Cunningham. The rally also backed a proposed Washington state ballot initiative that seeks to prevent transgender students from competing in girls' school sports.
Following Indiana's 105-95 victory, Cunningham did not speak to reporters. However, she addressed the issue on social media the next day, expressing support for the teenagers involved.
Posting on X, Cunningham wrote that she believes there should be "a safe space and love for EVERYBODY," adding that biological girls, biological boys, transgender women, and transgender men are all welcome at her table. She also praised the girls for standing up for their beliefs while criticizing Keaton's actions, describing the incident as embarrassing and questioning the example it set as a leader.
After the game, a Fever public relations representative read a statement on behalf of the organization, saying neither the team nor Cunningham had prior knowledge of the demonstrations and had no involvement with those who organized them.
