If you follow the WNBA you will be well-versed in the latest WNBA news. The WNBA's roster has been announced for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2022. Noelle Quinn has been appointed the Seattle Storm's first Black head coach, while Brittney griner was sentenced at nine years in a Russian penal institution. LASparks won their 500th game. Continue reading to find out more.
WNBA has announced the roster for AT&T WNBA All-Stars 2022
The roster was announced by the WNBA for the AT&T WNBA All-Star on Sunday. The roster features first-timers Courtney Vandersloot, Jewell Loyd, and Atlanta Dream rookie Rhyne Howard. 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 appointed first Black head Coach for Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn has been appointed the first Black head coaches in the history the Seattle Storm. Quinn joins Vickie John, Dallas Wings head coach, to be the only Black woman leading WNBA franchises. There are also two Black men who have served as head coaches in the league: James Wade of the Chicago Sky and Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Sparks. Quinn has an impressive resume - she played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2000.
Brittney griner sentenced to nine-years in a Russian penal colonies
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 multi-month-long trial has been a geopolitical flashpoint for the United States. Griner was taken into custody in February at Moscow Airport. Russian officials charged her with trying to smuggle pot oil into Griner's suitcase. Although she denied knowingly violating any laws, she did admit that she had packed her vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
500th win for LASparks
The LASparks have won 500 games! Congrats! The Sparks are now tied for second in league history with three championships won. However, they have missed the playoffs five consecutive times. While they made some big moves during the winter to address this, their season remains stalled. Here are some points to consider when looking at the team’s future.
Players forced on chartered flights
Recently, the WNBA made headlines for its new policy requiring its players fly on chartered planes to travel for games. Many people claim that the NBA would never allow this, but the WNBA is not the same as the NBA. The WNBA also does not share revenue revenues with the NBA. Charter flights have been a topic of controversy for the WNBA, but it is not the only professional sport league in America. Charter flights have also been a source of controversy in Major League Soccer.
New season of the WNBA aims at raising money for charities
The new season of the WNBA aims at raising funds to support nonprofits. Many players have played an active role in social justice advocacy and have played a part in many organizations. Cheryl Swoopes, former Houston Comets superstar, is one such advocate. Former WNBA player Cheryl Swoopes founded two non-profit organizations to help women in STEM fields. She has won four championships.