WNBA suspends Seattle Storm co-owner after confrontation with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham

Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was suspended for the next five home games and fined by the WNBA following a video that showed her approach two teenage girls wearing shirts with XX and XY chromosomes. The girls, who held a sign thanking Sophie Cunningham for speaking out on transgender participation in women’s sports, said Keaton used profanity and called them "insane" during the Indiana Fever’s game at Climate Pledge Arena.

The Storm issued an apology on Wednesday, with majority owner Ginny Gilder stating, "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 incident occurred after a small group of fans gathered outside the arena with signs supporting Cunningham, whose recent ESPN commentary called it "common sense" to bar transgender athletes from women’s sports. Cunningham later responded on social media, emphasizing that she believes in a safe space for all individuals regardless of gender identity.

The Indiana Fever said they had no prior knowledge of the demonstration and reiterated their focus on winning games and building a fan base. The league confirmed the disciplinary action on Thursday.