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The WNBA is facing pressure to kick Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton out of the league on Thursday.
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The Storm hosted the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night. Prior to the game, a crowd of a few dozen gathered to support Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, following her comments on transgender athletes in women’s sports. They were also promoting a statewide ballot initiative, IL26-638, that would bar transgender students from participating in girls’ athletics at Washington schools.
Two young fans sat courtside inside of the arena, wearing shirts with XX and XY chromosomes. They were showing support for Cunningham, who says it’s “common sense” to keep transgender athletes out of women’s sports.
The two young, teenage girls were reportedly berated by co-owner Celeste Keaton, according to Brandi Kruse of unDividedPod.com. The two young fans told Kruse that Keaton directed expletives at them for a sign that thanked Cunningham “for speaking up for girls.”
The Storm apologized, though they didn’t name anyone in particular.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game. We apologize that this happened,” Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a statement released Wednesday. “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.”
Cunningham, meanwhile, ripped the co-owner for embarrassing behavior.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY,” she wrote on X. “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.
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“Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is.”
Some pushing WNBA to kick owner out of league
While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, berating two young fans at a game, no matter what they were wearing, is a bad look for an owner.
“Kick her out of the league!” one fan wrote.
“No one like that should be representing the WNBA or one of its franchises,” another person said on X.
“She shouldn’t just be suspended. She should be kicked out of the entire league,” another fan added.
“No place for her in this game,” one added.
Reports have indicated that the Seattle Storm co-owner has been suspended for her team’s next five home games. However, there are many that are now pushing for harsher punishment.
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This story was originally published July 30, 2026 at 7:02 AM.