Seattle Storm Eager for Title Run After Historic Turnaround

SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm is set to launch its 2025 season on Saturday, May 17, against the Phoenix Mercury. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. Pacific time and marks a new chapter for the team, which saw a dramatic turnaround last season.

The Storm improved their record from 11-29 in 2023 to 25-15 in 2024, returning to the WNBA playoffs after a year-long absence. While they were swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the playoffs, the players believe they have even more potential this year.

“Hell yeah, I feel confident – did you see our roster?” guard Skylar Diggins asked during the team’s media day. She reflected on the talent accumulated over the offseason, stating it is the most talented roster she’s been part of in 13 years. Diggins emphasized the team’s favorable energy heading into the season.

As they begin the season, the Storm will embark on a two-game road trip, leading to their home opener on May 23 against the Mercury at Climate Pledge Arena. This year, for the first time in 21 years, the Phoenix Mercury will play without Diana Taurasi, who has retired.

Storm coach Noelle Quinn spoke about the team’s identity, which relies on the collective talent of its players rather than any single leader. “Every single one of that can-do quartet has proven that she can be the go-to player in any given situation,” she stated, referring to her star players, including Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor, and Gabby Williams.

Ogwumike, who joined the Storm last season, led the team with an average of 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Diggins earned the Comeback Player of the Year award, averaging 15.1 points and 6.4 assists. Meanwhile, Magbegor established herself as a top defensive player, earning All-Defensive team honors with an impressive 2.2 blocks per game.

Veteran guard Alysha Clark returns to the Storm after spending four years elsewhere, following her contributions to the team’s championship wins in 2018 and 2020. Clark expressed her excitement about returning to her “home” in Seattle and bringing her leadership to the team.

The Storm bolstered their roster by drafting 19-year-old center Dominique Malonga, who was recently acclaimed for her performance in international play. Malonga brings youthful energy as she joins players with championship experience.

As they prepare for their season opener, the Storm are focused on building off last year’s success. “In this league, depth is what wins championships,” Diggins noted, foreshadowing an exciting season ahead for Seattle basketball fans.