If you keep up with the WNBA, then you are probably aware of the latest WNBA news. The WNBA has released their roster for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2020. Noelle Quinn, the first Black head coaching position for the Seattle Storm, has been chosen. Brittney griner, Brittney Griner, was sentenced to nine year imprisonment in a Russian penal colony. In addition, LASparks has won their 500th game. Continue reading to find out more.
WNBA announces AT&T WNBA All-Star list 2022
The roster for next Sunday's AT&T WNBA All-Star was announced by WNBA. This roster includes Jewell Love, Courtney Vandersloot as well Atlanta Dream rookie Rhyne. All-Stars are selected by fans and head coaches. With two-thirds of each team's players selected, the WNBA roster is the most extensive 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, the first Black head coach for the Seattle Storm
Noelle Quinn was named the first Black head coaching position in the history and development of the Seattle Storm. Quinn joins Vickie Johnson, the Dallas Wings' head coach, as the only Black woman currently leading WNBA teams. 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's resume is impressive. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks between 1997 and 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. This trial, which lasted for multiple months, became a geopolitical flashpoint in the United States and Russia. Griner was arrested in February at Moscow's airport. Russian officials claimed she tried to smuggle cannabis oil inside her suitcase. 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.
LASparks wins 500th game
The LASparks won their 500th game! Congrats! Congratulations! They missed the playoffs five times, however, so their playoff run wasn't quite as planned. Although they made some high-profile moves this winter, their season is still stagnating. These are some important things to remember when you look at the future of the team:
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. 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 have also been a source of controversy for the WNBA and other professional sports leagues in the United States. Charter flights have also been a point of contention in Major League Soccer.
New season of the WNBA aims at raising money for charities
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. Former Houston Comets star Cheryl Swoopes is one such advocate. Her four-time WNBA championship winner was also the founder of two non-profit organizations that raise funds for women in STEM.