If you keep up with the WNBA, then you are probably aware of 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. Read on for more details.
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 can be chosen by fans or head coaches. The WNBA's roster is the largest in history, with two-thirds of the players chosen from each team. Many notable players are absent, including Elena Delle Donne, who is still recovering from back surgery, as well as Nneka Ogwumike. Nneka was also injured and has missed the Olympics.
Noelle Quinn appointed first Black head Coach for 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 has an impressive resume - she played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2000.
Brittney Griner sentenced at Russian penal colony for nine years
Brittney Griner, an American basketball player, has been sentenced in Russia to nine years imprisonment for drug smuggling. The lengthy trial, which lasted several months, became a geopolitical hot spot between Russia and the United States. 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. While she denied intent to violate any laws by Griner, she admitted to having packed vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil.
LASparks wins 500th Game
The LASparks won their 500th game! Congrats! Congratulations! Their playoff run was not as successful as they expected, missing the playoffs five more times. In response, they made a few high-profile moves over the winter, but their season is still stalling. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you consider the future of this team.
Players forced by chartered flights to fly
Recently, the WNBA made headlines for its new policy requiring its players fly on chartered planes to travel for games. Although it is claimed that the NBA would prohibit this, the WNBA has different rules than the NBA. 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 also been a point of contention in Major League Soccer.
The new season of the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits
New season of the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits. Many players have played an active role in social justice advocacy and have played a part in many organizations. Cheryl Swoopes (former Houston Comets star) is one example of such an advocate. Two nonprofits were founded by the former WNBA player who won four championships.