**Title: Storm Issues Apology After Co-Owner's Confrontation with Teen Fans Supporting Cunningham**
The Seattle Storm has publicly apologized following an incident involving one of its co-owners, Celeste Keaton, who verbally confronted two teenage female fans during a recent home game. The incident occurred on July 29, 2026, when the girls were holding signs in support of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has recently voiced her opinions regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
The signs held by the teenagers included messages such as “Thank You Sophie for speaking up for girls!” Cunningham has been a prominent figure in the ongoing debate about the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports, advocating for the protection of women's categories in athletics.
In a statement released on July 30, Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder addressed the situation, acknowledging the inappropriate comments made by Keaton. “We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” Gilder stated. “We apologize that this happened. 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.”
Reports indicate that during the confrontation, Keaton used expletives to express her disapproval of the girls' support for Cunningham. Independent journalist Brandi Kruse, who covered the incident, reported that some players from the Storm responded to the fans with thumbs-down gestures, while other attendees booed the teenagers. “Some of the fans were relentlessly booing at them,” Kruse recounted. “And I kind of turned around and said, ‘Look, they’re just teenage girls.’”
Cunningham, who scored 11 points and made three three-pointers during the game, has faced mixed reactions from the public regarding her stance. In a recent interview with ESPN, she clarified her position, stating, “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’ I think that 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.”
The incident comes at a time when the topic of transgender athletes in women's sports is highly contentious. A recent poll by The New York Times indicated that 79% of Americans oppose allowing men to compete in women's sports. This issue gained further attention following a Supreme Court ruling in June that allows states to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports.
During the game, which ended with a 105-95 victory for the Fever, a rally was held outside the arena, where supporters of women's sports expressed their gratitude towards Cunningham. The event also saw pro-transgender activists present, highlighting the polarized views surrounding the topic.
As the Storm continues to navigate the aftermath of this incident, their apology underscores the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of differing opinions on sensitive issues. The team currently holds a record of 6-24, marking their seventh consecutive loss in the league.