Storm Apologise After Co-Owner Fan Row

Storm co-owner's outburst sparks apology

The Seattle Storm have been forced to say sorry after a co-owner reportedly directed expletives at fans during a home fixture against the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night.

The flashpoint came in the wake of a demonstration held outside Climate Pledge Arena, where a crowd rallied in support of Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and a Washington state ballot initiative that would bar transgender students from competing in girls' school sports. Demonstrators brandished supportive placards and wore T-shirts featuring chromosome imagery.

What happened inside the arena?

While the Storm declined to name the co-owner involved, reports identified the individual as Celeste Keaton. Fans alleged she swore at them over a sign thanking Cunningham for her public stance on transgender participation in women's sport.

Majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a formal apology, stressing the franchise's commitment to making every supporter feel welcome. "We apologise for the comments made," Gilder said, reaffirming the team's goal of fostering an inclusive matchday experience.

Fever distance themselves from rally

Indiana's organisation made clear that neither the team nor Cunningham had any advance knowledge of the demonstration. Their post-game message was straightforward: the focus remains on basketball and their fanbase.

Cunningham herself later spoke about the importance of kindness and inclusivity for all people, regardless of gender identity. Storm head coach Sonia Raman echoed that sentiment, emphasising the need for every visitor to Climate Pledge Arena to feel valued.