WNBA Suspends Seattle Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton

The WNBA has suspended Celeste Keaton, co-owner of the Seattle Storm, for five home games and imposed an undisclosed fine, according to several reports. This action follows a recent incident where Keaton reportedly upset two teenage girls, leaving one in tears after she criticized the girl’s opinions on transgender athletes in women’s sports.

This altercation took place during a Storm Fever game in Seattle on Tuesday. The controversy flared up after Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham expressed in an ESPN feature her desire to “protect the young girls in the locker room” from competing against biological males.

At the game, teenagers were present courtside, wearing shirts that opposed transgender participation in women’s sports and held signs supporting Cunningham.

In response to the incident, the Storm issued an apology on Wednesday. The girls later recounted on the podcast “unDivided” that Keaton told them, “Jesus loves everyone,” and added, “I hope Jesus forgives you for the sins you have committed.”

One of the girls reflected on the experience, saying, “I’ve never been yelled at like that before. Some people were hating on me online, but it didn’t affect me that much because it’s just people online. But it surprised me because I thought she was going to be a nice person. Then she started screaming at us and calling us names.”

In a statement, Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder emphasized, “Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where all fans are treated with respect.”

Cunningham responded with her own apology, addressing Keaton’s behavior. She reiterated her belief in a space for everyone, stating, “Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can still be kind even if you disagree,” she posted on X.

Cunningham praised the teenagers for their stance, calling their bravery commendable. “Bravo to these girls for standing up for what they believe in. You’ll be hearing from me soon. Really embarrassing for a co-owner. Unfortunately, it shows the type of leader she is,” she remarked.

Prior to the game, some fans gathered outside the Climate Pledge Arena to support Cunningham and a Washington state ballot initiative aimed at prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, while others inside the arena displayed signs advocating for transgender inclusion.