#seattle_storm

WNBA Salary Cap Expansion Sparks Overpay Debates The WNBA expanded its salary cap this season, leading to a surge in free agency activity and several high-profile contracts. While some deals have proven to be solid investments, others have raised concerns about long-term value as teams navigate the challenges of maintaining competitive rosters. The season has exposed discrepancies between player performance and contract expectations, prompting discussions about how teams will adjust their strategies in the coming offseason. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor, who ranks fourth in league salary, was signed under the assumption that her defensive versatility and scoring ability would make her a key asset for a rebuilding team. The Storm used the core designation to retain her, aiming to anchor their roster during a transition period. However, Magbegor has played in just nine games due to injury, and her absence has left a void in Seattle’s frontcourt. Younger players like Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam are now seen as the team’s future, making it imperative for the Storm to trade Magbegor this offseason. If she remains on the payroll into 2027, it could complicate efforts to build a competitive team, especially with significant holes elsewhere on the roster. Alanna Smith, Dallas Wings Alanna Smith, the Dallas Wings’ highest-paid player, was signed to a three-year deal after her Defensive Player of the Year performance with the Minnesota Lynx. The Wings hoped her leadership and defensive skills would elevate their team, but Smith has faced challenges this season. Facial injuries early in the year have impacted her aggression, leading to a decline in her on-court effectiveness. The team’s offensive rating has dropped to 105.3 when Smith is on the floor, compared to 115.#dallas_wings #portland_fire #seattle_storm #connecticut_sun #wnba_salary_cap

The WNBA Suspends Storm Co-Owner Celeste Keaton After Confrontation With Fans The Seattle Storm, a professional women’s basketball team in the WNBA, suspended minority co-owner Celeste Keaton from attending the team’s next five home games and imposed an undisclosed fine following an incident during a game on Tuesday. The altercation occurred during the Storm’s 105-95 loss to the Indiana Fever, when Keaton verbally confronted two teenage fans who were carrying signs supporting Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The Storm issued an apology for the confrontation on Wednesday, acknowledging the incident and its implications. The incident unfolded during a pregame rally outside Climate Pledge Arena, where a small crowd gathered to show support for Cunningham and to advocate for statewide initiatives 638 and 001 on the November ballot. These initiatives aim to restrict transgender students from participating in girls’ athletics at Washington’s K-12 schools. During the game, several fans held signs reading “No Hate in Washington State,” while two courtside spectators carried a sign that read “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls.” Keaton approached these fans, reportedly expressing her disapproval of their support for Cunningham. Cunningham, who was not available for comment after the game, responded to the incident on social media. She criticized Keaton’s behavior, stating, “I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY… Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind.” Cunningham also called Keaton’s actions “truly embarrassing” and noted that they reflected the type of leadership she associated with the co-owner. She added, “You’ll be hearing from me soon,” hinting at potential legal or public action.#climate_pledge_arena #wnba #sophie_cunningham #seattle_storm #celeste_keaton

Seattle Storm Apologizes After Co-Owner Confronts Fans Over Cunningham Support The Seattle Storm issued an apology on Wednesday following an incident involving one of its co-owners and fans during a game against the Indiana Fever. The altercation, which occurred the previous night, involved a demonstration outside Climate Pledge Arena and escalated during the match. The team’s statement acknowledged the situation but did not specify the exact nature of the exchange or which co-owner was involved. However, media reports indicated that co-owner Celeste Keaton was implicated in the incident. The incident began with a group of supporters gathering outside the arena ahead of the game to show solidarity with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The group, which included a few dozen individuals, carried signs in support of Cunningham and promoted a statewide ballot initiative, IL26-638, aimed at prohibiting transgender students from participating in girls’ athletics in Washington schools. Some members of the group wore T-shirts featuring XX and XY chromosome symbols, and several were present inside the arena during the game. Cunningham, who has publicly expressed support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports in an ESPN article published the week prior, became a focal point of the demonstration. The Storm’s apology followed reports that Keaton directed expletives at two fans who were part of the group. According to an interview with Brandi Kruse of unDividedPod.com, the fans, who were courtside during the game, described how Keaton confronted them for holding a sign thanking Cunningham for “speaking up for girls.” Cunningham herself responded to the incident, condemning Keaton’s actions in a post on X.#climate_pledge_arena #sophie_cunningham #seattle_storm #celeste_keaton #il26_638

WNBA All-Star Game Reserves Announced with Nneka Ogwumike Leading the Way Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike headlines the 12 reserves selected by league coaches for the WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 in Chicago. Ogwumike, who is set to make her 11th All-Star appearance, now shares the second-highest number of selections in league history with Diana Taurasi, trailing only Sue Bird’s record of 13. Ogwumike, the WNBA’s fourth-leading all-time scorer and rebounder, was named to the reserves list, marking her 11th selection. Ogwumike’s teammate, Kelsey Plum, also earned a reserve spot, marking her fifth All-Star selection. However, Plum’s participation in the game remains uncertain after she was ruled out for at least four weeks in June due to a lower leg injury. A source told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou that her availability for the All-Star Game will be finalized closer to the event. Plum, a key player for the Sparks, has been a consistent performer in the league. The reserve list also includes several first-time All-Star selections. Toronto Tempo’s Marina Mabrey, entering her eighth season with the team, and Seattle Storm’s Dominique Malonga, in her second season, will make their All-Star debuts. New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, who will make her sixth All-Star appearance, is the second-most experienced reserve behind Ogwumike. Other reserves include Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray (fourth appearance), Rhyne Howard (fourth), and Angel Reese (third); Washington Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen (second) and Sonia Citron (second); Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young (fifth); and Minnesota Lynx’s Courtney Williams (third). The 10 All-Star starters for the game were also announced.#kelsey_plum #nneka_ogwumike #toronto_tempo #seattle_storm #wnba_all_star_game

Fever's Grace VanSlooten Signing Aligns with Team's Strategic Needs The Indiana Fever made a strategic move on May 22 by signing forward Grace VanSlooten to a rest-of-season contract, following the waiver of veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough on May 21. The decision to replace Walker-Kimbrough with VanSlooten reflects the team’s focus on addressing frontcourt depth, a critical need highlighted by Aliyah Boston’s recent injury. VanSlooten, a 2026 WNBA Draft pick selected by the Seattle Storm with the No. 39 overall pick, had already demonstrated her potential during her brief stint with Seattle. She played four regular-season games for the Storm, averaging 4.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Her performance caught the attention of the Fever, who had the opportunity to evaluate her during a May 17 matchup against their own team. In that game, VanSlooten logged 18 minutes, scoring 5 points while contributing 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways—offense, defense, and ball movement—underscored her value as a versatile forward. The Fever’s front office saw VanSlooten as a perfect fit for their roster, which had struggled with frontcourt depth this season. Walker-Kimbrough, a guard, had been waived to create space for a player who could contribute in the frontcourt. VanSlooten’s signing not only balances the team’s positional needs but also provides flexibility in case of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. Her familiarity with the Fever’s system, gained from her brief exposure during the May 17 game, further strengthens her case as a reliable addition. While VanSlooten’s immediate playing time may be limited as she adjusts to the Fever’s system, her presence offers the team a crucial insurance policy.#wnba #indiana_fever #aliyah_boston #seattle_storm #grace_vanslooten

Will Ole Miss Women's Basketball Star Cotie McMahon Be a First-Round Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft? Less than a month after the Ole Miss women’s basketball season concluded in the NCAA Tournament, Cotie McMahon is shifting her focus to the 2026 WNBA Draft. The standout player, who led her team with stellar performances, will attend the draft on April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York. The event, broadcast live on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT, will feature 15 prospects, including McMahon, marking her third consecutive year as an Ole Miss player selected in the draft. If drafted, McMahon would join a select group of Ole Miss athletes chosen during coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s tenure, becoming the program’s ninth overall draft pick. McMahon’s draft projections have positioned her as a strong contender for a first-round selection. ESPN’s latest mock draft places her as the No. 9 pick, with the Washington Mystics expected to select her. The Athletic projects her as the No. 14 pick for the Seattle Storm, while USA TODAY and CBS Sports both anticipate the Connecticut Sun taking her with the No. 15 pick, the final selection of the first round. This projection aligns with predictions from The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, which also place her at No. 15 for the Sun. However, Bleacher Report’s mock draft diverges slightly, projecting McMahon as a second-round pick, though she would still end up with the Sun at No. 18. McMahon’s season performance has solidified her status as a top prospect. She averaged career-highs in points and assists, scoring 19.5 points per game—ranking third in the SEC—and dishing out 3.0 assists per game, a team-leading stat for Ole Miss. Her contributions extended beyond scoring and playmaking, as she also recorded 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.#ole_miss #seattle_storm #wnba_draft #cotie_mcmahon #the_shed_at_hudson_yards

Marta Suarez Projected to Seattle Storm in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 14 The 2026 WNBA Draft, a highly anticipated event in the basketball calendar, is set to take place on Monday, April 13, at The Shed in New York. This year’s draft has generated significant buzz, particularly around the first overall pick, which has remained uncertain despite the league’s competitive landscape. After a dynamic first week of WNBA free agency, the Dallas Wings have emerged as the clear frontrunner to select UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other names in the mix for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the focus of USA TODAY’s final mock draft centers on TCU standout Marta Suarez, who is projected to be selected by the Seattle Storm at No. 14 overall. The draft order, which factors in potential trades and protections, has been meticulously analyzed by USA TODAY’s sports team. According to their projections, the Seattle Storm will use their No. 14 pick (acquired from the Las Vegas Aces) to select Marta Suarez. The Storm’s strategy for this selection highlights their long-term development approach. While the team is not seeking an immediate star, they aim to acquire a player who can contribute meaningfully to their roster. The Storm’s head coach, Karl Smesko, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Suarez’s growth, particularly in refining her defensive skills and expanding her shooting range from beyond the arc. Marta Suarez, a standout guard from TCU, has been a dominant force in college basketball this season. As of April 9, her statistical contributions include an average of 17.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is also notable, with a 45.3% field goal percentage and a 37.#tcu #las_vegas_aces #dallas_wings #seattle_storm #marta_suarez

WNBA’s Offseason Intensifies as Free Agency Unfolds The WNBA’s free agency period has entered its fourth day, with significant movements shaping the league’s landscape. Free agent forward Satou Sabally confirmed she is not returning to the Phoenix Mercury after a single season with the franchise, leaving her future uncertain. Meanwhile, Nneka Ogwumike’s tenure with the Seattle Storm has concluded after two seasons, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the team. Ogwumike, a 10-time All-Star, revitalized the Storm, leading them to playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025 despite a first-round exit in the latter. Her departure follows the firing of head coach Noelle Quinn after the 2025 season. The Las Vegas Aces have solidified their roster by re-signing defending champion Kierstan Bell, who averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 35 games last season. Bell expressed excitement about returning to the team, emphasizing her commitment to the franchise’s success. Meanwhile, Aces superstar A’ja Wilson has confirmed her intent to stay in Las Vegas, with reports indicating she will re-sign on a $1.4 million supermax contract. Wilson’s decision underscores her role in the Aces’ recent dynasty, including their 2025 championship run. Other notable signings include free agent guard Breanna Stewart, who has chosen to remain with the New York Liberty, and Jackie Young, who is expected to return to the Aces on a one-year $1.19 million deal. Young’s return is critical to the Aces’ continued dominance, as she played a pivotal role in their 2025 championship series against the Phoenix Mercury. Trade activity has also intensified. The Dallas Wings traded forward Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for center/forward Rayah Marshall.#las_vegas_aces #nneka_ogwumike #wnba #satou_sabally #seattle_storm