Seattle Storm fans in the WNBA were understandably upset after Caitlin Clark poured in 32 points as Indiana Fever edged Seattle 105-95 on Tuesday.
In a despicable act captured on video, one spectator appeared to lose all self-control and spat on a woman who was supporting the Fever and Clark after the final horn sounded at Climate Pledge Arena.
The spitting incident was documented in a clip shared to TikTok in the wake of the game.
The TikTok clip, posted by user “la_rosa_volpe,” carried the caption: “This Seattle Storm fan just spit in my face because Fever won.”
The Seattle Storm supporter appeared to direct a forcible stream of liquid toward the fan backing the Fever.
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The Indiana backer then swiftly lowers her phone camera and can be heard pursuing the spitter in the footage, threatening to contact law enforcement.
The clip can be viewed below, though it contains NSFW language.
@la_rosa_volpe #indianafever #seattlestorm #caitlinclark @Indiana Fever @DIBSPORTSTALK @WNBA #poorsport @tizzyent ♬ sonido original – Esme Patiño
The spitting incident drew immediate condemnation on social media, with many calling for a lifelong ban from WNBA arenas for the offender.
“First, if someone did this to me, we have to fight, because that is disgusting and disrespectful to the highest degree,” wrote Robert Littal of BSO.
“Hopefully, the (Seattle Storm) and (WNBA) ID’d the person and banned them from the arenas because it’s just a game.”
As of Thursday afternoon, there had been no official public update from the Seattle Storm on the appalling incident.
This outing was not the only flashpoint to arise from the Fever–Storm showdown.
Seattle co-owner Celeste Keaton was reported to have insultingly called two Fever-supporting, courtside fans “f—ing insane.”
Cunningham has recently voiced support for excluding “biological men” from competing in women’s sports during an interview with ESPN. Ahead of the Fever–Storm clash, a small group of fans gathered outside the arena with signs and photos of Cunningham, rallying in support of statewide Initiative 638, which would bar transgender athletes from competing on women’s sports teams at Washington state schools.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY,” Cunningham wrote on X Wednesday in response to Keaton’s interaction with the Fever fans. “Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table!
“You can disagree and still be kind. 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.”
The WNBA fined the Storm an undisclosed amount, and Keaton is barred from attending the next five Seattle home games.
“We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last night’s game,” the Storm said in a statement. “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.”
