The latest WNBA news is likely familiar to anyone who follows the WNBA. This week, the WNBA has announced its roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2022, Noelle Quinn has been named the first Black head coach for the Seattle Storm, and Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony. LASparks won their 500th game. Continue reading to find out more.
WNBA announces AT&T WNBA All-Star roster 2022
The roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star next Saturday was revealed by WNBA. The roster includes Jewell Loyd, Courtney Vandersloot, and Rhyne Hult, Atlanta Dream rookie. All-Stars are selected by fans and head coaches. With two-thirds of each team's players selected, the WNBA roster is the most extensive in history. Notable players are missing, including Elena Delle Donne who has not played since she had back surgery and Nneka Ogwumike who was injured and missed the Olympics.
Noelle Quinn, the first Black head coach for the Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn is the new Seattle Storm head coach. Quinn joins Vickie, the Dallas Wings head coaches, as the only Black women leading WNBA clubs. Two Black men have been head coaches of the league, James Wade of Chicago Sky and Derek Fisher from the Los Angeles Sparks. Quinn has an impressive resume - she played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2000.
Brittney Griner sentenced at Russian penal colony for nine years
Brittney Griner, a former American basketball player, was sentenced to nine-years in Russia's penal colony for drug smuggling. This trial, which lasted for multiple months, became a geopolitical flashpoint in the United States and Russia. Griner was arrested at Moscow's airport in February. Russian officials accuse her of trying to smuggle the cannabis oil into her bag. While Griner denied that she was knowingly trying to violate any laws or to have packed her vape cartridges full of cannabis oil, she did admit to it.
500th game won by LASparks
The LASparks have won 500 games! Congrats! Congratulations! However, they have missed the playoffs five consecutive times. In response, they made a few high-profile moves over the winter, but their season is still stalling. Here are some points to consider when looking at the team’s future.
Players are forced to fly on chartered flight
The WNBA's recent policy of requiring its players on charter planes to fly while they travel for games has caused a lot of controversy. Although it is claimed that the NBA would prohibit this, the WNBA has different rules than the NBA. The WNBA also does not share revenue revenues with the NBA. Charter flights have also been a source of controversy for the WNBA and other professional sports leagues in the United States. In fact, charter flights have been a major contention point in Major League Soccer as well.
The new season of the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits
New season of the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits. Players have been active advocates for social justice, and they have played a significant role in a variety of organizations. Cheryl Swoopes was a Houston Comets former star. Former WNBA player Cheryl Swoopes founded two non-profit organizations to help women in STEM fields. She has won four championships.