The latest WNBA news is likely familiar to anyone who follows the WNBA. The WNBA released its roster for AT&T WNBA All-Star 20,22. Noelle Quinn is the new head coach of the Seattle Storm. Brittney griner was sentenced this week to nine years in a Russian penal prison. In addition, LASparks has won their 500th game. Continue reading to find out more.
WNBA has announced the roster for AT&T WNBA All-Stars 2022
The WNBA announced its roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star next Sunday. The roster includes first-timers Jewell Liyd, Courtney Vandersloot and Rhyne, a rookie with Atlanta Dream. 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. 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 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, the Dallas Wings head coaches, as the only Black women leading WNBA clubs. The league also has two Black head coaches: 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 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 Griner denied knowingly violating any laws she did admit to filling her vape carts with cannabis oil.
500th win for LASparks
The LASparks won their 500th game! Congrats! Congratulations! They missed the playoffs five times, however, so their playoff run wasn't quite as planned. While they made some notable moves in the winter, the team is still stuck at the bottom of their game. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at the team's future:
Players forced to fly chartered flights
The WNBA is making headlines lately because it requires its players to fly chartered planes while on their travels 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 are a key issue in Major League Soccer.
The new season for the WNBA aims towards raising funds for non-profits
New season of the WNBA aims to raise funds for non-profits. Players have been strong advocates for social change and played an important role in many organizations. Cheryl Swoopes, a former Houston Comets player, is an example of such an advocate. Two nonprofits were founded by the former WNBA player who won four championships.