During the WNBA game on July 28, 2026, between the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, minority co-owner Celeste Keaton verbally insulted two teenage girls who were supporting Sophie Cunningham. Keaton reportedly called the girls “f—ing insane” and expressed religious condemnation, saying she hoped Jesus could forgive them and God could save them [1, 2, 3, 4].

The two girls had worn XX-XY Athletics shirts and held signs supporting Cunningham, who opposes transgender women competing in girls’ and women’s sports [1, 2, 4]. Throughout the game, some Seattle Storm players allegedly made hostile thumbs-down gestures toward the supporters, while fans in attendance booed them relentlessly [1, 2].

The Indiana Fever beat the Storm 105-95 in the game [1, 5].

The Seattle Storm issued an apology on July 29, stating they were aware of the co-owner’s comments and confirmed their commitment to an inclusive, respectful environment where “every fan is treated with respect,” said Ginny Gilder, the Storm’s majority owner [1, 2, 3, 6].

On July 30, the WNBA fined and suspended Celeste Keaton from attending the next five home games due to her conduct during the incident [3].

Sophie Cunningham has emphasized that she opposes biological males competing in women’s sports. She denied being anti-transgender or hateful, stating, “I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men” [1, 5, 7, 8, 9]. Cunningham also highlighted the importance of protecting children involved in sports [8].

Rallies supporting Cunningham have taken place outside several WNBA games in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis. These events were organized by activist groups and individuals, including Amy Sousa and Jennifer Sey, though the Indiana Fever team stated they had no direct knowledge or involvement with the rallies [5, 8, 4, 10, 11].

Some WNBA players and the Players Association support transgender inclusion, creating tension around Cunningham’s views [7, 9]. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve defended transgender athletes and dismissed claims of threats to locker room safety, but acknowledged the right to peaceful protest [7, 11, 12].

Author J.K. Rowling publicly condemned the behavior shown toward Cunningham’s supporters. She called Keaton’s behavior “grotesque” and praised the teenage fans as “heroines” peacefully protesting perceived unfairness in women’s sports [3, 6].

A rally supporting Cunningham is scheduled for August 7 outside the Portland Moda Center before the Fever vs. Portland Fire game. Another rally will be held on August 9 outside Minneapolis’ Target Center before the Fever faces the Minnesota Lynx, organized by Jennifer Sey [4, 11, 12].