Storm owner suspended after interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham

Key Points:

• Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was suspended for five home games and fined by the WNBA after an altercation with teenage fans wearing shirts depicting XX and XY chromosomes during a game against the Indiana Fever.
• The incident followed Sophie Cunningham’s ESPN comments supporting the exclusion of transgender athletes from women’s sports, which sparked a small pro-Cunningham demonstration outside the arena.
• The Storm issued an apology emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and respect for all fans, while Cunningham criticized Keaton’s behavior on social media but reaffirmed her support for kindness and safe spaces for all individuals.
• The Indiana Fever stated they had no knowledge or involvement with the demonstration and focused on their goal of winning games, declining to comment further through Cunningham or star player Caitlin Clark.
• A correction clarified that Cunningham had previously spoken to reporters before the ESPN article, contrary to earlier reports that her social media post was her first public comment.