A celebration at the Indiana Fever game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night, July 29th, 2026, in Seattle turned contentious when teenage girls supporting Sophie Cunningham reportedly faced heckling from Storm players and a team co-owner.

According to women attending the game who spoke to Fox News Digital, Storm players made thumbs-down gestures toward the girls, including one incident when a girl wearing an XX-XY Athletics shirt danced during a break in the game. Additionally, co-owner Celeste Keaton allegedly made mocking comments and insults directed at the girls.

The girls, who had stayed up the night before making signs and were excited for their seats, were also subjected to relentless booing from some fans. One supporter described seeing a girl sobbing at halftime.

When one attendee, When Kruse, alerted arena security about a woman sitting near the girls who was making the insults, the guard identified her as "one of the owners of the team." This woman was seated beside Storm legend and co-owner Sue Bird.

Kruse and rally organizer Amy Sousa said supporters left signs promoting Washington Initiative 638 outside the Climate Pledge Arena because political signs were not allowed inside. Meanwhile, the arena displayed "No Hate in Washington State" signs opposing the initiative on its video boards throughout the game.

The Seattle Storm issued a statement apologizing for the co-owner's conduct, affirming their commitment to an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.

The game became a focal point in the national debate over trans athletes, with Cunningham supporters rallying outside the arena in support of her recent statements on protecting women's sports.

Sources