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Storm Co-Owner Suspended After Fan Incident — Star Breaks Silence
WNBA Team Co-Owner Punished for Yelling at Teenage Fans
What Happened at the Seattle Storm Game?
Imagine going to a basketball game to cheer for your favorite player, but instead of having fun, you get yelled at by one of the team’s owners. That’s exactly what happened to two teenage girls at a Seattle Storm game on July 28, 2026.
The girls were huge fans of Sophie Cunningham, who plays for the Indiana Fever. They wore special shirts from a brand called XX-XY Athletics to show support for Cunningham’s recent comments about protecting women’s sports. They even got amazing court-side seats!
But during the game, things went wrong. According to journalist Brandi Kruse (who was there with the girls), Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton approached the teenagers and called them a very bad name — "f—ing insane." One of the girls started crying.
Important Point: This wasn’t just any fan — Keaton is a part-owner of the team. That makes her behavior even more serious.
What Happened Next?
Here’s how things unfolded after the incident:
- The girls put away their signs — Not because they were forced to, but because they felt scared and uncomfortable
- Journalist Brandi Kruse reported it — She told arena security, who confirmed Keaton was "one of the owners"
- The story went viral — Even famous author J.K. Rowling commented on it
- The WNBA took action — They fined Keaton and banned her from the next 5 home games
- Team majority owner apologized — Ginny Gilder said everyone deserves to feel welcome
- Sophie Cunningham spoke out — She posted on X (formerly Twitter) calling it "truly embarrassing"
What Did Sophie Cunningham Say?
Cunningham didn’t hold back. Here’s what she posted:
"I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. 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. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is."
What About the Rally Outside?
Before the game, there was a rally outside Climate Pledge Arena to celebrate Cunningham’s stance. A small group of counter-protesters also showed up supporting transgender inclusion.
Kruse claims she saw Storm players making thumbs-down gestures at the girls during the game. The Storm coach, Sonia Raman, said afterward they want everyone to feel welcome, but didn’t address the specific allegations.
What Did the Indiana Fever Say?
The Fever organization distanced themselves from the rally. A team representative said:
"Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers."
They said they’re focused on winning games and building their fan base.
Key People Involved
| Person | Role | What They Did |
|---|---|---|
| Celeste Keaton | Storm co-owner | Allegedly yelled at teens; fined & suspended |
| Two teenage girls | Sophie Cunningham fans | Wore supportive gear; harassed during game |
| Brandi Kruse | Journalist | Witnessed & reported the incident |
| Sophie Cunningham | Indiana Fever player | Publicly defended the girls |
| Ginny Gilder | Storm majority owner | Apologized for co-owner’s behavior |
| J.K. Rowling | Author | Amplified the story on social media |
Summary
A Seattle Storm co-owner was fined and suspended for 5 home games after allegedly screaming profanities at two teenage girls who were cheering for opposing player Sophie Cunningham. The girls were wearing gear supporting Cunningham’s views on women’s sports. The incident sparked outrage, with the team’s majority owner apologizing, Cunningham herself condemning the behavior, and even J.K. Rowling weighing in. The WNBA’s punishment sends a clear message: team owners must treat fans with respect, no matter what they believe.
FAQ
Why were the teenage girls at the game?
They were huge fans of Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever player) and wanted to support her after she spoke publicly about protecting women’s sports. They wore XX-XY Athletics gear and had court-side seats.
What exactly did the co-owner say?
According to journalist Brandi Kruse who witnessed it, Celeste Keaton called the girls "f—ing insane" during the game. One girl broke down in tears.
What punishment did the co-owner receive?
The WNBA fined her and suspended her from attending the next 5 Seattle Storm home games.
Did the team apologize?
Yes! Majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a statement apologizing and saying "everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome."
Was Sophie Cunningham involved in organizing the rally?
No. The Indiana Fever said neither the organization nor Cunningham had any knowledge of the rally or contact with its organizers.
