You're likely to be familiar with the most recent WNBA news if you are a fan of the WNBA. The WNBA announced this week its roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2022. Noelle Quinn was named the first Black head coach of the Seattle Storm. Brittney Griner was sentenced for nine years in a Russian penal colony. LASparks also won their 500th match. Read on for more details.
WNBA announces AT&T WNBA All-Star roster 2022
The roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star next Saturday was revealed by WNBA. First-timers Jewell Loyd and Courtney Vandersloot are on the roster, as well as Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream rookie. 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. Notable players have been missing include Elena Delle Donne due to back surgery, Nneka Ogwumike because she was injured, and Nneka Ogwumike.
Noelle Quinn named the first Black head coaching coach for Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn has been named the first Black head coach in the history of the Seattle Storm. 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 is a highly skilled player, having played for the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997-2000.
Brittney griner sentenced to nine year imprisonment in a Russian penal prison
Brittney griner, an American basketball star, has been sentenced for nine years in Russia after she was found guilty of 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.
500th game won by LASparks
The LASparks has won their 500th match! Congrats! The Sparks are now tied for second in league history with three championships won. However, their playoff run has not gone quite as planned, as they missed the playoffs five 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 to fly on chartered flights
Recently, the WNBA has made waves for its policy requiring players to fly on chartered aircrafts when traveling for games. Although many people believe that the NBA wouldn't allow it, the WNBA does not permit this. Additionally, the WNBA is not allowed to share revenue 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 been a significant issue in Major League Soccer.
The new season of WNBA aims raise money for nonprofits
The new season of WNBA aims for raising funds for charities. Players have been active advocates for social justice, and they have played a significant role in a variety of organizations. Cheryl Swoopes, former Houston Comets superstar, is one such advocate. Two nonprofits were founded by the former WNBA player who won four championships.