Celeste Keaton suspended by WNBA after teen girls confrontation

The WNBA announced that Seattle Storm co‑owner Celeste Keaton will miss the team's next five home games and has been fined, though the amount was not disclosed. The disciplinary action follows a July 28, 2026 incident at Climate Pledge Arena during a Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever game, where two teenage girls wearing XX‑XY shirts held a sign thanking WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

According to video and eyewitness accounts, Keaton approached the girls and called them “f—ing insane,” then invoked religion, saying “Jesus loves everyone” and urging forgiveness. Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a public apology, emphasizing that all fans should feel welcome. Indiana Fever distanced the organization from the protest, stating they had no prior knowledge of the girls' presence. Sophie Cunningham later defended the teenagers, praising their courage and condemning Keaton's remarks.