WNBA team co-owner suspended after alleged profanity toward teenage fans

The Women's National Basketball Association said Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keon will miss the team's next five home games and has been fined following an incident in which she allegedly called two teenage fans of forward Sophie Cunningham "f---ing insane" during a game at Climate Pledge Arena.

Independent journalist Brandi Kruse, who was present at the arena, reported that the girls were attending the game to support Cunningham and were seated courtside when Keon approached them and used profane language. Kruse said the girls were visibly upset and one began to sob during the game.

"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. 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 Storm issued a statement.

Cunningham responded on social media, expressing support for an inclusive environment for all gender identities and praising the girls for speaking up. The team's majority owner, Ginny Gilder, also issued an apology for the co-owner's remarks.

The incident occurred amid a rally outside the arena supporting Cunningham's recent advocacy for women's sports. A small counter-protest group also gathered, but the Storm said it had been monitoring the planned demonstration and remained focused on safety and inclusion.

Storm head coach Sonia Raman said the organization works with arena security to ensure a welcoming atmosphere, while the opposing Indiana Fever distanced itself from the rally and said neither the team nor Cunningham had prior knowledge of the demonstration.