The Seattle Storm WNBA basketball team has apologized after its co-owner reprimanded female students for signing a “thank you” sign to Sophie Cunningham.
Published July 30, 2026
The Seattle Storm issued an apology statement a day after one of its co-owners berated two teenage female fans for holding signs supporting the views of Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham during a home game against the Fever.
Each of the teens held a sign that read, “Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up for girls!” Cunningham recently took to the plate to protect women’s sports and keep them women-only.
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Independent journalist Brandi Kruse reported that minority owner Celeste Keaton told the girls they were “insane.”
“We are aware that one of our co-owners made comments to two fans who attended last night’s game,” Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a statement Wednesday.
“We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game should feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where all fans are treated with respect.”
Kruse told Fox News that the scene included Seattle players giving the girls a thumbs-down gesture. Some fans also expressed their opinions.
“Some fans booed them relentlessly,” Kruse told Fox News. “And I kind of turned around and said, ‘Look, they’re just teenage girls.'”
A New York Times poll last year suggested that 79% of Americans do not want men to play women’s sports.
The issue recently made headlines when the Supreme Court ruled in June that states can ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Cunningham shared her thoughts on women’s sports, stressing that women should never have to compete against biological males.
“I’ve gotten a lot of negative feedback that I hate trans people,” Cunningham told ESPN. “And I say, ‘I never said that.’
“I think I’m here to spread love, but I also think that love includes being true and honest. And I want to protect the young girls in the locker room and the young girls in sports who don’t have to go against biological men.”
Cunningham received a mix of cheers and jeers during Wednesday’s game, which the Fever won 105-95. There was a rally outside the arena before the game, where supporters of women’s sports held placards thanking Cunningham for speaking up for girls and women. Transgender advocates were also on the scene.
Due to the fever, Cunningham was unable to face questions after the game. He made three 3-point shots and scored 11 points.
The Storm (6-24) lost seven straight games, the worst record in the league.
