The latest WNBA news is likely familiar to anyone who follows the WNBA. 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 was also awarded their 500th victory. Read on for more details.
WNBA announces AT&T WNBA All-Star list 2022
The roster of the AT&T WNBA All-Star Next Sunday was released by the WNBA. This roster includes Jewell Love, Courtney Vandersloot as well Atlanta Dream rookie Rhyne. All-Stars can be chosen by fans or head coaches. The WNBA's roster, which includes two-thirds each of the players from each team, is the biggest in history. 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 named 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 has a remarkable resume. She was a player for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 through 2000.
Brittney Griner sentenced for nine years in a Russian penal colony
Brittney Griner, an American basketball player, has been sentenced in Russia to nine years imprisonment for drug smuggling. This trial, which lasted for multiple months, became a geopolitical flashpoint in 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. Although she denied knowingly violating any laws, she did admit that she had packed her vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
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. However, their playoff run has not gone quite as planned, as they missed the playoffs five times. They responded with a few high-profile moves, but the season is still in limbo. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at the team's future:
Players forced 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. Although it is claimed that the NBA would prohibit this, the WNBA has different rules than the NBA. Additionally, the WNBA has no revenue sharing with the NBA. The charter flight controversy has not been confined to the WNBA. Charter flights are a key issue in Major League Soccer.
WNBA's new season aims to raise money for nonprofits
The WNBA's new season aims at raising funds for nonprofits. Players have been strong advocates for social change and played an important role in many organizations. Cheryl Swoopes (former Houston Comets star) is one example of such an advocate. In order to help women in STEM fields, Swoopes, a former WNBA player, started two nonprofit organizations.