Storm co-owner apologizes after cursing teenage fans at game
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 11:30 PM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
At the July 28 game between the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted two teenage fans supporting Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes. The girls, displaying a pro-Cunningham sign, reported that Keaton used profanity during the exchange, leaving one in tears. The Storm's majority owner, Ginny Gilder, issued a formal apology, emphasizing the organization's commitment to an inclusive environment. The atmosphere was tense, as a rally supporting Cunningham occurred outside the arena, and Cunningham received mixed reactions from fans during the game. The incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Cunningham’s remarks and has not yet garnered a response from the NBA or WNBA.
- •Celeste Keaton confronted teenage fans during the July 28 game.
- •Fans supported Sophie Cunningham's remarks on transgender athletes.
- •Ginny Gilder issued a formal apology for the incident.
- •A rally supporting Cunningham occurred outside Climate Pledge Arena.
- •Cunningham's comments have sparked division among fans and analysts.
- 12:26 AMESPN — Storm apologize after Cunningham fans confronted
- 10:28 PMYahoo Sports — Storm Apologize After Co-Owner Curses Out Teenage Fans Supporting Sophie Cunningham’s Stance on Trans Athletes
"The ongoing debate around Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes has now pulled an entire WNBA franchise into the spotlight. The incident took place during Tuesday’s game between the Storm and the Indiana Fever, and the fallout arrived quickly.
"The Storm apologized Wednesday for an exchange that took place between one of their co-owners and two fans who thanked Sophie Cunningham in the wake of her comments supporting barring transgender girls and women from girls' and women's sports.
Sources
External links- ESPNJul 30, 2026, 12:26 AMStorm apologize after Cunningham fans confronted
The Storm apologized Wednesday for an exchange that took place between one of their co-owners and two fans who thanked Sophie Cunningham in the wake of her comments supporting barring transgender girls and women from girls' and women's sports.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 10:28 PMStorm Apologize After Co-Owner Curses Out Teenage Fans Supporting Sophie Cunningham’s Stance on Trans Athletes
The ongoing debate around Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes has now pulled an entire WNBA franchise into the spotlight. The incident took place during Tuesday’s game between the Storm and the Indiana Fever, and the fallout arrived quickly.
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