Sophie Cunningham calls out WNBA owner over incident during Fever game

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sophie Cunningham calls out WNBA owner over incident during Fever game

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 30, 2026 3:51 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham is not staying quiet after an incident involving two young fans on Tuesday night. A Seattle Storm co-owner confronted them during the Indiana Fever’s game at Climate Pledge Arena.

Two female fans sat courtside holding a sign reading “Thank you, Sophie for speaking up for girls.” This came after Cunningham’s controversial comments about transgender athletes participating in women’s sports.

Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton approached the teenagers and called them "f---ing insane."

Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a public apology Wednesday. She acknowledged the encounter and pledged to maintain a welcoming environment for all fans.

Keaton had not commented publicly as of this writing. On Thursday, the WNBA confirmed it suspended her.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts to a call.

Sophie Cunningham responds to Storm owner’s treatment of the fans

Cunningham addressed the incident directly on X.

"I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY," she posted on X. "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."

I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. 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… https://t.co/gIVWhEHi3Q

— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 30, 2026

Cunningham backed up her words on the court on Tuesday. She posted 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while going 3-of-4 from three-point range off the bench. Her performance helped Indiana pull away for the 105-95 victory.

The first player off Stephanie White’s bench all season, Cunningham has been a major factor in Indiana’s playoff push. Her impact stretches well beyond the stat sheet.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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