Celeste Keaton, co-owner of the Seattle Storm, has been suspended for five home games and penalized by the WNBA for a recent on-court disagreement with two fans during the team’s July 28 game against the Indiana Fever. According to Yahoo Sports, Keaton confronted the fans over banners they displayed and the clothing they wore, which supported Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and a brand that claims to champion women’s sports.
The Fans' Perspective
The fans, sitting in the courtside area, held up signs including one that read, 'THANK YOU SOPHIE FOR SPEAKING UP FOR GIRLS,' and wore gear from XX-XY Athletics, a brand that states its mission is to protect women’s sports. After the match, they spoke to podcast host Brandi Kruse, explaining that Keaton approached them and the dialogue quickly became tense. One fan described her as an older woman who first asked what they were doing but then told them, 'I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you've done.'
In response to the event, the Seattle Storm publicly distanced themselves from Keaton and released an 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 stated, noting the team's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The clash unfolded in a charged climate following Cunningham's recent statements on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
Cunningham commented on Keaton's suspension, offering support to the fans and calling the situation 'truly embarrassing.' She also mentioned plans to send them gifts. The Indiana Fever clarified that it had no connection to the protest that took place outside the venue before the game.
Before tipoff, a group of supporters gathered outside Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena to back Cunningham and promote a Washington ballot measure aimed at preventing transgender students from competing in girls’ sports. The Fever confirmed neither Cunningham nor the team had any role in the demonstration.
Inside the arena, Storm veteran Stefanie Dolson publicly voiced her support for transgender rights by wearing a shirt with the message 'Trans Rights Are Human Rights.' A photo of her in the shirt, posted by the team on social media, quickly earned millions of views.