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. For more information, please read on.
WNBA announces roster for AT&T WNBA All-Star 2022
The roster for next Sunday's AT&T WNBA All-Star was announced by WNBA. First-timers Jewell Loyd and Courtney Vandersloot are on the roster, as well as Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream rookie. All-Stars are chosen by fans and head coach. The WNBA's roster boasts the largest number of players in history. Two-thirds are chosen from each side. There are a lot of notable players missing from the game, including Elena Delle Donne, who has not played since her back surgery, and Nneka Ogwumike, who missed the Olympics because of an injury.
Noelle Quinn appointed first Black head Coach for Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn is the new Seattle Storm head coach. Quinn joins Dallas Wings head coach Vickie Johnson as the only Black women currently leading WNBA franchises. Two Black men have also served as head coaches for the league: James Wade from the Chicago Sky and Derek Fisher with the Los Angeles Sparks. Quinn's resume is impressive. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks between 1997 and 2000.
Brittney Griner sentenced for nine years in a Russian penal colony
Brittney griner, an American basketball superstar, was sentenced to nine year imprisonment in a Russian penal colony after being found guilty for drug smuggling. The trial lasted many months and has become a geopolitical flashpoint. Griner was detained in February at Moscow airport. Russian officials had accused her of trying smuggle marijuana oil into her luggage. 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.
LASparks wins 500th Game
The LASparks won their 500th game! Congrats! The Sparks have now won three championships and are tied for second all-time in league history. Their playoff run was not as successful as they expected, missing the playoffs five more times. Although they made some high-profile moves this winter, their season is still stagnating. Here are some points to consider when looking at the team’s future.
Players are forced to fly on chartered flight
The WNBA is making headlines lately because it requires its players to fly chartered planes while on their travels for games. Many people claim that the NBA would never allow this, but the WNBA is not the same as the NBA. The WNBA doesn't share revenue with NBA. Charter flights are not an issue that the WNBA is the only professional league in the United States. Charter flights have also been a point of contention in Major League Soccer.
The new season of WNBA aims raise money for nonprofits
The new season for the WNBA aims raise funds for charities. Many players have played an active role in social justice advocacy and have played a part in many organizations. Cheryl Swoopes, a former Houston Comets player, is an example of such an advocate. Former WNBA player Cheryl Swoopes founded two non-profit organizations to help women in STEM fields. She has won four championships.