The ongoing debate around Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes has now pulled an entire WNBA franchise into the spotlight.
The incident took place during Tuesday’s game between the Storm and the Indiana Fever, and the fallout arrived quickly.
Storm Forced to Apologize For Co-Owner Celeste Keaton’s Comments
Two young Cunningham supporters were sitting courtside at Climate Pledge Arena wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts and holding a sign thanking Cunningham “for speaking up for girls,” a reference to comments she made in an ESPN profile last week defending her stance that transgender women should not compete in women’s sports.
Last night, @seattlestorm co-owner Celeste Keaton cursed out two teen girls for wearing @xx_xyathletics shirts, calling them “f*cking insane.” One of them was left in tears. I tried to get security involved and was told I should email the front office. pic.twitter.com/Qi8TcfRtYB
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) July 29, 2026
According to the girls, who spoke with Undivided host Brandi Kruse, a woman approached them during the game and called them “effing insane.”
Kruse identified the woman as Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, and the girls said one of them was left in tears by the exchange. The Storm organization responded with a formal apology through majority owner Ginny Gilder.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” Gilder told Front Office Sports in a statement. “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.”
The confrontation came amid a tense atmosphere at the arena that night. A rally in support of Cunningham was held outside Climate Pledge Arena before tipoff, while fans inside reportedly booed Cunningham throughout the game.
Some reports also indicated Storm players directed thumbs-down gestures toward the young fans during the contest, adding another layer to an evening that had already turned contentious before Keaton’s alleged comments became public.
Cunningham’s remarks have divided opinion since they were first published, drawing both support and sharp criticism from fans, media members, and now, apparently, people within the league’s ownership ranks.
Neither the NBA nor the WNBA had issued a public response to the incident as of this writing, and Keaton herself has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Cunningham has stood by her comments since the backlash began, telling reporters more recently that she believes the position is common sense. She also added that protecting children, including young girls in sports, is something she will continue to speak up for.
