The WNBA suspended Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team's next five home games following an incident during Tuesday's game at Climate Pledge Arena.
Keaton verbally confronted two teenage fans who held signs supporting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The league also fined the franchise an undisclosed amount.
According to eyewitness accounts and independent journalist Brandi Kruse, the two teenagers wore apparel representing biological sex chromosomes and carried signs praising Cunningham.
Kruse stated that Keaton approached the girls, used profane language, and shouted at them until one broke down in tears.
Cunningham had recently drawn national attention for public comments regarding transgender athletes competing in women's sports.
Following the game, Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued an official statement apologizing on behalf of the organization.
"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 incident occurred after pregame demonstrations took place outside the arena, where supporters and counterprotesters gathered ahead of the matchup between the Storm and the Fever.
Storm head coach Sonia Raman commented on the overall arena environment after the game, noting that the organization worked directly with security personnel to handle the crowds.
"We always want to be an area where people feel welcome coming into this building," Raman said. "From what I understand, that was successful."
A representative for the Indiana Fever clarified during a postgame press conference that the visiting team had no involvement with the demonstrations outside the venue.
"Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers," said a public relations representative for the Indiana Fever.
Prior to Tuesday's matchup, Cunningham had elaborated on her stance regarding women's athletics during a national media interview.
"I want to protect young girls in a locker room," Cunningham said. "Or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Following reports of the suspension and apology, Cunningham posted a statement on social media addressing the fans and criticizing the co-owner's conduct.
"I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY," Cunningham wrote. "Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men.
Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind.
Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You'll be hearing from me soon yay for gifts.
Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is."
The Seattle Storm, currently holding a 6-24 record on a seven-game losing streak, begin a four-game road trip on Friday and have seven remaining home games on their schedule.
