Storm Owner Suspended
WNBA Suspends Seattle Storm Co-Owner Five Games After Allegedly Cursing at Teen Fans
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The WNBA has suspended Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for five home games and fined her an undisclosed amount after she allegedly cursed at teenage Indiana Fever fans during a game in Seattle, according to KOMO News. The Storm also issued a public apology following the incident.
The teens were sitting courtside and holding signs in support of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, according to News3LV. Cunningham had publicly spoken out against transgender athletes competing in women's sports. The fans were also wearing shirts expressing the same position.
What Keaton Said to the Teen Fans
Keaton allegedly approached the teens and began cursing at them during the game, according to WSET. She reportedly told them "Jesus loves everyone" and "I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you've done." The teens were there to cheer for Cunningham and show support for her stance on transgender athlete inclusion.
The incident happened at a Seattle home game between the Storm and the Fever. The fans had courtside seats, putting them close to team ownership. Their signs and shirts made their views visible to players, staff, and other attendees, according to Fox 11
Sophie Cunningham's Role in the Controversy
Sophie Cunningham became a flashpoint in the broader debate over transgender athletes in women's sports earlier this season. Her public stance drew both supporters and critics. The teen fans at the Storm game were specifically there to back her position, according to Idaho News.
Cunningham's supporters wore shirts opposing transgender athlete inclusion. Those shirts — visible in a high-profile courtside setting — appear to have sparked the confrontation with Keaton. The WNBA has not commented on Cunningham's views as part of the suspension announcement, according to Newschannel 9.
Storm Apologize, WNBA Hands Down Punishment
The Seattle Storm released a public apology after the incident became public. The team said it is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all fans, according to KMPH. The apology did not defend or explain Keaton's alleged behavior.
The WNBA handed Keaton a five-game home suspension and an undisclosed fine. The league did not reveal the dollar amount of the fine. Suspending an owner — not just a player or coach — is a notable and rare disciplinary move, according to Bakersfield Now.
Incident Lands During a Heated Season for the WNBA
The Storm-Fever matchup drew extra attention this season because of the debates swirling around transgender athlete policies in women's sports. Fever games have attracted larger crowds and more controversy in 2025, according to WACH. The Keaton incident adds to a charged atmosphere league-wide.
The league now faces questions about how ownership should behave — especially toward fans expressing political views. The suspension signals the WNBA is willing to discipline those at the top of team ownership when conduct crosses a line, according to KMPH.
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