Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is standing behind two teenage girls who say a Seattle Storm co-owner verbally confronted them after showing support for the WNBA player’s stance on protecting women’s sports.
The controversy unfolded during Tuesday night’s game between the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm, where two 16-year-old girls attended wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel and held a courtside sign reading, “Thank you, Sophie, for speaking up for girls.”
According to a video shared by unDivided podcast host Brandi Kruse, the teens alleged that Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton approached them and called them “f—ing insane.” They also claimed Keaton invoked Christianity during the exchange, telling them, “Jesus loves everyone,” “I hope Jesus can forgive you for what sin you’ve done,” and “God can save you.”
Cunningham responded publicly on X, expressing support for the girls while emphasizing that compassion and conviction can coexist.
“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,” she wrote.
She went on to praise the teenagers for standing by their beliefs, adding, “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.”
Kruse said the confrontation occurred after some fans and players reportedly criticized the girls during the game. She told Fox News Digital that security identified the woman involved as one of the team’s owners after the girls became upset by the exchange.
The Seattle Storm did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the incident. However, the majority owner, Ginny Gilder, later issued a statement apologizing, saying everyone attending a Storm game deserves to feel welcome and respected.
The WNBA subsequently fined Keaton an undisclosed amount and suspended her from attending the Storm’s next five home games. While the league did not publicly explain the disciplinary action, the Storm said it respects the decision and remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all fans.
The incident comes amid ongoing debate surrounding Cunningham’s comments about transgender participation in women’s sports. Earlier this year, she told ESPN she believes female athletes should not have to compete against biological males while rejecting accusations that her position is rooted in hatred.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham said. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sports who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Before last week’s game, Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a shirt reading, “Trans rights are human rights,” a move many interpreted as a response to Cunningham’s views.
For many Christians following the controversy, the incident has prompted reflection on how faith should be expressed during moments of disagreement. While the name of Jesus was invoked during the reported confrontation, Cunningham’s response emphasized both truth and kindness, reminding supporters that convictions can be defended without abandoning respect for those on the other side of a deeply divisive issue.