Seattle Storm controversy grows over girls supporting women’s sports

By Liam Tremblay — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

The controversy surrounding Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has intensified following comments from former sports commentator Jemele Hill and an incident involving a Seattle Storm co-owner. The situation began after Cunningham expressed her views on transgender athletes in women’s sports, leading to public demonstrations and reactions from various figures in the WNBA.

Cunningham’s initial comments to ESPN, where she stated her opposition to biologically male trans athletes competing in women’s sports, sparked a movement of support. This culminated in a “Support Sophie Cunningham” rally outside Climate Pledge Arena before a game between the Fever and the Storm. During this event, two teenage girls displayed a sign in the arena that read: “THANK YOU SOPHIE FOR SPEAKING UP FOR GIRLS.”

Reactions and Confrontations

The display of support for Cunningham led to a confrontation involving Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton. According to one of the girls, Keaton confronted them with expletives, leaving one of them in tears. Brandi Kruse, who witnessed the exchange, noted that some fans were booing the girls, prompting her to intervene by stating they were “just teenage girls.”

The WNBA later issued a $25,000 fine to the Storm and suspended Keaton for five games due to the incident. Cunningham addressed the controversy on social media, condemning Keaton’s actions. She wrote that she believes in a safe space for “EVERYBODY,” including “Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men.” Cunningham also commended the girls for standing up for their beliefs.

Amidst these events, Jemele Hill commented on the situation, accusing Cunningham of “ducking the smoke” by not addressing questions about the rally directly. Hill suggested that Cunningham, who has built a brand on being outspoken, should be prepared to face scrutiny when controversies arise. Hill also criticized the Fever organization for shielding Cunningham and head coach Stephanie White from questions related to the rally, arguing that a reporter was justified in asking about the demonstration.

Team Responses and Player Statements

During a post-game media session following the Fever’s 105-95 win over the Storm, a reporter questioned Fever head coach Stephanie White about the “Support Sophie Cunningham” rally. A spokesperson for the Fever intervened, providing a prepared statement that clarified the organization and Cunningham had no prior knowledge of or contact with the rally’s organizers. The statement emphasized the team’s focus on winning games and making fans.

Sophie Cunningham was not made available to the media after the game. During the game itself, she was booed by Storm fans when she entered the game and when she attempted her first free throws.

In a related development, Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a t-shirt that read “trans rights are human rights” before the game against the Fever. Dolson, who publicly identified as a member of the LGBTQ community in 2016, reshared an image of herself in the shirt on social media. This outfit choice came a week after Cunningham’s comments to ESPN.

Cunningham, in her interview with ESPN, also addressed being referred to as “MAGA Barbie,” stating that she never expressed hatred towards trans individuals. She emphasized her desire to protect young girls in sports from competing against “biological men” and described her political views as “very much in the middle.”

The support movement for Cunningham is expected to continue, with additional rallies planned ahead of upcoming Fever games in Oregon and Minnesota.

Source: foxnews.com