The Seattle Storm issued an apology Wednesday concerning an exchange involving one of their co-owners and two fans during the team's 105-95 home defeat to the Indiana Fever.

The situation unfolded Tuesday evening and originated with a demonstration outside Climate Pledge Arena.

Before the contest, several dozen people gathered to back Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and to advocate for a statewide ballot measure, IL26-638, intended to restrict transgender students from girls' athletics in Washington schools.

Some in the group held signs supporting Cunningham or wore shirts showing XX and XY chromosomes. Several participants were also inside the arena during the game.

Cunningham had voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls' and women's sports in an ESPN article released the prior week.

The Storm offered no further details on the incident and did not name the co-owner involved. Brandi Kruse of unDividedPod.com identified the individual as co-owner Celeste Keaton. In discussions with the two fans, who joined the gathering and sat courtside, they described Keaton using strong language over a sign thanking Cunningham for advocating for girls.

"We recognize that one of our co-owners spoke to two fans at last night's game. We regret the occurrence," Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a Wednesday statement. "All who attend a Storm game should feel welcome, and we stay dedicated to building an inclusive setting where every fan receives respect."

Cunningham was unavailable from the Fever for postgame comments but later criticized the reported actions by Keaton.

"I firmly believe in safe spaces and kindness for EVERYBODY," she posted on X. "Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men all have a place. Disagreement does not preclude kindness.

"Praise to those girls for upholding their views. You will hear from me shortly... looking forward to gifts.

"The co-owner's conduct was truly disappointing and reveals much about her leadership style."

Kelsey Mitchell and Monique Billings spoke with reporters after Tuesday's game, joined by coach Stephanie White.

When White faced questions about the rally and Cunningham's statements, a Fever public relations representative stepped in with this message: "Neither our organization nor Sophie knew of this demonstration or had contact with its organizers. Our focus as a team, at home or on the road, remains winning games and building lasting Fever fans, and we stand united in that effort."

Storm coach Sonia Raman briefly addressed the pregame protest after her team's seventh straight loss.

"Seattle, this organization, and Climate Pledge aim to ensure people feel welcome entering this building," Raman said. "We have consistently excelled in that area. Our group collaborated with Climate Pledge and security to guarantee everyone feels safe, included, and accepted upon arrival.

"From what I know, those efforts succeeded."

Details from The Associated Press contributed to this report.