Seattle Storm: A Legacy of Excellence in the WNBA
Founding and Early Years
The Seattle Storm was founded in 2000 as one of the WNBA expansion franchises, giving the city of Seattle a team following the departure of the Seattle Reign from the now-defunct ABL. The Storm began as a rebuilding team, but through smart drafting and organizational stability, they quickly developed into one of the league’s premier franchises.
One of the pivotal moments in franchise history came in 2001 with the selection of Australian star Lauren Jackson as the first overall draft pick. The following year, the team drafted point guard Sue Bird, setting the stage for a championship-caliber core that would define the next two decades of WNBA basketball.
Championship Era and Franchise Success
Seattle has won four WNBA championships: in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. Notably, the team has never lost in a WNBA Finals series, going a perfect 4–0 in title appearances.
The 2004 championship was the franchise’s first, led by Jackson, Bird, and Finals MVP Betty Lennox. In 2010, Jackson earned both the league MVP and Finals MVP honors as the Storm completed a 28–6 regular season and swept through the playoffs.
The next titles in 2018 and 2020 came under the leadership of Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd. Stewart, the 2018 league MVP and Finals MVP, helped carry the Storm through a dominant run. The 2020 championship was won in the WNBA bubble season in Bradenton, Florida, with Stewart again claiming Finals MVP.
All-Time Greats and Player Development
The Seattle Storm has been home to several of the most iconic names in women’s basketball. Sue Bird played her entire 21-season career in Seattle, becoming the league’s all-time leader in assists and serving as a steady, elite presence from 2002 until her retirement in 2022. She later joined the team’s ownership group, continuing her legacy off the court.
Lauren Jackson, a three-time league MVP and widely regarded as one of the best international players in WNBA history, was instrumental in shaping the Storm into a perennial powerhouse during the 2000s.
More recently, players like Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and Natasha Howard added to the team’s championship legacy. Stewart, in particular, solidified her status as one of the top players in league history during her time in Seattle before departing in free agency.
Home Arena and Team Identity
The Seattle Storm play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena, a state-of-the-art venue located at Seattle Center. Known for its passionate fan base, Seattle consistently ranks among the league’s top teams in attendance and community engagement.
The team’s colors, thunder green, lightning yellow, and bolt green, reflect its bold identity. The Storm has long embraced a culture of resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Ownership and Leadership
The Storm is owned by Force 10 Hoops LLC, an all-women ownership group composed of Dawn Trudeau, Lisa Brummel, and Ginny Gilder. In 2024, legendary guard Sue Bird and NFL linebacker Bobby Wagner joined the group, bringing additional visibility and leadership to the franchise.
Head coach Noelle Quinn, a former Storm player herself, has guided the team since 2021 and represents the next generation of leadership within the organization.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The Storm underwent a period of transition after the departure of Breanna Stewart and retirement of Sue Bird. However, the team has rebuilt quickly. In the 2025 WNBA Draft, Seattle selected Dominique Malonga with the second overall pick. A 6’6″ forward from France, Malonga is known for her athleticism, ball-handling, and ability to play above the rim – a rare skillset in the women’s game.
The roster also includes seasoned stars such as Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor, and Gabby Williams. This blend of rising talent and proven veterans gives the Storm both short-term competitiveness and long-term promise.
As of mid-2025, the team is competing for a high playoff seed in a crowded Western Conference, showing strong signs of resurgence and cohesion.
Enduring Legacy
The Seattle Storm has solidified its place as one of the WNBA’s most respected and successful franchises. With a winning tradition, a commitment to player development, and a growing legacy of championship excellence, the Storm continues to inspire fans and set standards across the league.
Whether through past icons like Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson or through future stars like Dominique Malonga, the Storm remains a powerful force in the history and future of women’s professional basketball.
