The teenager who had a tense interaction with Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton during a WNBA game Tuesday opened up for the first time following the exchange, with her parents adding that she has yet to receive a formal apology.
Ahnaleigh Wilson, who was left to tears after allegedly being called “f–king insane” by Keaton for holding signs supporting Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments on trans athletes participating in women’s sports, revealed that she was “stunned” by the co-owner’s remarks.
“After she was done, she kind of just walked away, and me and my friend were just like, ‘What just happened?’ Um, we were kind of stunned,” Wilson told Fox News Digital. “I was like, ‘I’m not gonna cry, not gonna cry.’
A fan holds a sign for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in reference to her comments on transgender athletes as a fan wearing Seattle Storm gear holds a competing sign during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
“Um, but I feel like I kind of cry, I don’t know, when I feel overwhelmed or anything, honestly. So I started crying a little, and I was kind of embarrassed, ’cause I really didn’t want to.”
Wilson’s mother, Elizabeth, said that no one from either the Storm or the WNBA has reached out to her daughter or her friend since the exchange.
“They owe these girls an apology,” Elizabeth said. “She needs to be held accountable. We teach our kids that every choice has a consequence, good or bad, and you have to own up to your mistakes.”
The Storm did issue a public apology once the encounter became national news, and the WNBA fined and suspended Keaton from attending Seattle’s following five home games.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said. “We apologize that this happened.
“Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect.”
Co-owners Lynn Slaughter, Ginny Gilder, Lisa Brummel, Dawn Trudeau, Celeste Keaton, President of the Seattle Storm Alisha Valavanis, and then player, Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm pose for a photo after presenting Bird with a retirement ring before the game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 7, 2022. NBAE via Getty Images
Wilson, a high school track athlete in Washington state, said that the issue is personal to her, as she lost a championship race to a trans athlete back in 2024. She also mentioned that she went up against biological male athletes four times this past cross country season.
“They don’t know my story. They don’t know that I’ve actually experienced this, and I’ve experienced it more than once. I’m going to junior year now, and I’ve competed against a biological male four times. These people don’t even know what I’ve gone through,” she said.
“It’s disappointing, especially when it’s other women.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, left, high-fives guard Sophie Cunningham (8) after Cunningham made a basket against the Seattle Storm during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Wilson’s family said that her daughter has been thrust into the spotlight following the incident, with her father saying that he did not expect her to go this viral.
“Our daughter’s face is plastered everywhere,” her mother added. “We are getting comments of hate. A lot of support, though, too, but this has exploded, and her actions have now impacted our family greatly and will continue to do so.”
The incident, which occurred during the Fever’s 105-95 win over the Storm, came after Cunningham said in an ESPN profile that “young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
The WNBA fined and suspended Keaton from attending Seattle’s following five home games. X/@BrandiKruse
Wilson’s sign on the sideline read, “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls.”
In response to the Storm’s apology, Cunningham, 29, blasted Keaton for yelling at Wilson on the sidelines.
“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,” Cunningham wrote on X.
“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.”
