Controversy surrounding the WNBA is showing no signs of slowing down, with the league handing Seattle Storm owner Celeste Keaton a fine and a five-game arena ban following a heated verbal altercation with two teenage Sophie Cunningham fans.
Despite the heavy punishment, some in the WNBA world are calling for even harsher penalties for Keaton.
WNBA World Calls for League To Kick Out Seattle Storm Owner Amid Altercation With Sophie Cunningham Fans
Keaton had confronted two teenage WNBA fans who had brought signs into Climate Pledge Arena, thanking Cunningham for her recent statements calling for trans athletes to be excluded from women’s sports.
The comments did not go down well with the basketball community, and the WNBA acted swiftly to ban Keaton from attending five home games. However, some fans believe a harsher punishment is warranted, with one claiming the WNBA should revoke her ownership of the Storm.
They cited the example of Donald Sterling, who was banned by the NBA and had his ownership revoked after being caught making racist remarks during a phone call.
“Sterling got banned for life over a private phone call and this owner curses out kids in public and gets 5 games. the league straight up set the precedent and then ignored it,” they wrote on X.
sterling got banned for life over a private phone call and this owner curses out kids in public and gets 5 games. the league straight up set the precedent and then ignored it
— Nico (@E0_DS0_Omega) July 30, 2026
Another wrote that the WNBA needed to move on from its commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, claiming she has failed to improve the league.
“I think we know the answer Clay. ITS POLITICAL,” they wrote.
I think we know the answer Clay. ITS POLITICAL
— Todd Wachsman (@ToddwithHonor) July 30, 2026
Another wrote that the WNBA needed to move on from commissioner Cathy Engelbert, claiming she has failed to help improve the league.
“They need a commissioner who makes decisions to make the WNBA a better product instead of being more concerned about hypersensitive outrage on social media,” they wrote.
They need a commissioner who makes decisions to make the WNBA a better product instead of being more concerned about hypersensitive outrage on social media
— Ryan Byrd (@byrdman220) July 30, 2026
Another claimed the punishment was lenient and felt Keaton should have received a harsher penalty for the offense.
“Her punishment was a slap on the hand. Those girls are part of the fan base of the WNBA. Fans are who pay money to be able to support their teams. This idiot co-owner just bit the hand that feeds them. She should gotten a worse penalty if the WNBA wants to be taken seriously,” they wrote.
Her punishment was a slap on the hand. Those girls are part of the fan base of the WNBA. Fans are who pay money to be able to support their teams. This idiot co-owner just bit the hand that feeds them. She should gotten a worse penalty if the WNBA wants to be taken seriously.
— Joe (@DewGuy88) July 30, 2026
Another called for the NBA and other major sports leagues to step in and impose a harsher punishment on Keaton.
“Why is the NBA ownership let alone sports ownership writ large not wading into this. Doesn’t the NBA own and run the WNBA? Why are more sports outlets not calling out the double standard, let alone why are women writ large on that side of the isle not calling for equal treatment?” They wrote.
Why is the NBA ownership let alone sports ownership writ large not wading into this. Doesn’t the NBA own and run the WNBA? Why are more sports outlets not calling out the double standard, let alone why are women writ large on that side of the isle not calling for equal treatment?
— Mr. Dave Nagel (@CaptainBraeside) July 30, 2026
One user claimed that those with better PR are afforded more lenient penalties in the WNBA.
“Sounds like the league’s punishment scale is based on who can afford a better PR team, not the actual offense,” they wrote.
Sounds like the league’s punishment scale is based on who can afford a better PR team, not the actual offense.
— Zoe ♡ (@Unique32741007) July 30, 2026
Another hit out at the double standards of the punishment.
“If the standards are different for similar behavior, it’s fair to ask why. Equal accountability should apply to everyone,” they wrote.
If the standards are different for similar behavior, it’s fair to ask why. Equal accountability should apply to everyone.
— 🐼Priya G Suresh💿🚢 (@priyag_sur4009) July 30, 2026
Cunningham also responded to the matter by criticizing Keaton’s behavior and claiming that there should be a safe space for everyone. She added that she would be sending gifts to the young girls for standing up for their beliefs.
