If you keep up with the WNBA, then you are probably aware of the latest WNBA news. 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. In addition, LASparks has won their 500th game. For more information, please read on.
WNBA announces AT&T WNBA All-Star roster 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 will be selected by fans and their head coaches. The WNBA's roster is the largest in history, with two-thirds of the players chosen from each team. There are many notable players who have been absent from the game including Elena Delle Donne (who has not played since her back surgery) and Nneka Ogwumike (who missed the Olympics due to an injury).
Noelle Quinn is the first Black head coach of the Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn has been named the first Black head coach in the history of 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 boasts a impressive record - she was a Los Angeles Sparks player from 1997 to 2000.
Brittney Griner sentenced for nine years in a Russian penal colony
Brittney Griner, a former American basketball player, was sentenced to nine-years in Russia's penal colony for drug smuggling. The trial, which lasted multiple months, has become a geopolitical flashpoint between the United States and Russia. The case stems from Griner's arrest in February at the Moscow airport, where Russian officials accused her of trying to smuggle cannabis oil into her suitcase. She denied knowingly attempting to violate any laws, but did admit to packing her vape cartridges with the cannabis oil.
500th game won by LASparks
The LASparks won their 500th game! Congrats! Congratulations! However, their playoff run has not gone quite as planned, as they missed the playoffs five times. Although they made some high-profile moves this winter, their season is still stagnating. Here are some things that you need to remember as you examine the future for the team.
Players forced to fly on chartered flights
The WNBA has been making waves lately for its recent policy requiring its players to fly on chartered planes while traveling for games. Many people claim that the NBA would never allow this, but the WNBA is not the same as the NBA. Additionally, the WNBA has no revenue sharing with the 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 the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits
The new season for the WNBA aims raise funds for charities. Players have been vocal advocates for social justice and have played a role in a number of organizations. Cheryl Swoopes (former Houston Comets star) is one example of such an advocate. The former WNBA player, who has won four championships, founded two nonprofit organizations to raise money for women in STEM fields.