Storm apologize after co-owner berates teen girls for support of Cunningham

The Seattle Storm issued a formal apology following an incident at a recent home game against the Indiana Fever. According to reports, minority owner Celeste Keaton verbally accosted two teenage female fans who were displaying signs expressing support for Sophie Cunningham, an Indiana player who has publicly advocated for protecting women's sports as female-only spaces. The teenagers' signs read "Thank You Sophie for speaking up for girls!" and similar messages of support.

Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder released a statement acknowledging the incident. "We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night's game," Gilder said. "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."

The confrontation was not limited to the co-owner's remarks. According to journalist Brandi Kruse, Seattle players made thumbs-down gestures toward the girls, and some fans in attendance booed them persistently. Cunningham herself received mixed reactions during the game, which the Fever won 105-95. Outside the arena, competing groups gathered—some supporting Cunningham's position on women's sports and others representing pro-transgender activist perspectives.

Cunningham has recently become a focal point in the broader debate over transgender participation in women's sports. In an ESPN interview, she emphasized her intent to protect young girls in athletic and locker-room settings, stating she was not expressing hatred toward transgender individuals but rather advocating for truth and safety. The Supreme Court issued a ruling in June allowing states to ban transgender athletes from women's and girls' sports, adding legal dimension to the ongoing discussion.