Seattle Storm WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Four WNBA Championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
• Undefeated in WNBA Finals appearances (4-0)
• Home to WNBA legends Sue Bird, Australian Lauren Jackson, and Breanna Stewart

The Seattle Storm have established themselves as one of the most successful and consistent franchises in WNBA history, winning four championships over two decades.

Overview

The Seattle Storm entered the WNBA as an expansion team in 2000, quickly rising to prominence behind the talents of Australian superstar Lauren Jackson and point guard Sue Bird. Over their 24-year history, the Storm have become one of the league's model franchises, combining on-court success with strong community support and savvy front office management.

Australians who have played for the Seattle Storm

Lauren Jackson: A cornerstone of the franchise, Jackson was the first overall pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft. She played 12 seasons with the Storm, leading the team to championships in 2004 and 2010. Jackson is a three-time WNBA MVP and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Tully Bevilaqua: Joining the Storm in 2003, Bevilaqua was known for her defensive tenacity and leadership. She played two seasons in Seattle, including the 2004 championship season.

Suzy Batkovic: Batkovic played for the Storm during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, providing depth in the frontcourt with her scoring and rebounding abilities.

Abby Bishop: Bishop was part of the Storm's 2010 championship team, contributing as a forward/centre. She returned to the team for the 2015 season.

Jenna O'Hea: O'Hea played for the Storm during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, known for her versatility and three-point shooting.

Sami Whitcomb: Born in the United States but naturalized as an Australian citizen, Whitcomb joined the Storm in 2017. She played a key role in the team's 2018 and 2020 championships, known for her sharpshooting and energy off the bench.

Ezi Magbegor: Joining the Storm in 2020, Magbegor has been a rising star, known for her defensive prowess and inside scoring. She was part of the 2020 championship team and continues to be a significant contributor.

Jade Melbourne: Drafted by the Storm in 2022, Melbourne played her rookie season in 2023 before being traded to the Washington Mystics in 2024.

Team History

The Storm's journey to the top of the WNBA began with their inaugural season in 2000. While they struggled initially, the foundation for future success was laid in 2001 with the drafting of Lauren Jackson. The addition of Sue Bird in 2002 gave the Storm one of the most formidable duos in league history, culminating in the franchise's first championship in 2004.

Under the leadership of head coach Anne Donovan, the 2004 Storm went 20-14 in the regular season before defeating the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals. This victory made Donovan the first female head coach to win a WNBA title.

Australian Lauren Jackson had a remarkable career with the Seattle Storm, where she played from 2001 to 2012. As one of the WNBA’s greatest players, she earned two league MVP awards (2003, 2007) and led the Storm to championships in 2004 and 2010. Known for her scoring ability, defensive prowess, and versatility, Jackson averaged over 18 points and 7.7 rebounds per game across her career. She was a seven-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, cementing her status as a dominant force in the league. Jackson’s skillset and fierce competitiveness helped raise the profile of women’s basketball globally, and she inspired many young Australian players to pursue professional careers. Her legacy with the Storm endures as she remains a significant figure in both WNBA and international basketball history

The Storm remained competitive throughout the 2000s, but it wasn't until 2010 that they captured their second championship. Led by the trio of Bird, Jackson, and newly acquired Swin Cash, Seattle dominated the regular season with a 28-6 record. They then swept through the playoffs, defeating the Atlanta Dream in the Finals.

After a period of transition, the Storm rebuilt around Bird and new draft picks Jewell Loyd (2015) and Breanna Stewart (2016). This core led Seattle to back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2020, with Stewart winning Finals MVP both times.

Their four championships tie them for second-most in league history, and they are the only franchise to win titles in three different decades. What sets the Storm apart is their perfect record in the WNBA Finals, winning all four of their appearances.

The Storm's success is built on a combination of superstar talent, excellent coaching, and front office stability. The franchise has been home to some of the greatest players in WNBA history, including Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Breanna Stewart. Each of these players has won multiple championships and MVP awards with the Storm.

Moreover, the Storm's ability to rebuild and remain competitive is a testament to their organisational excellence. After their 2010 championship, the team successfully transitioned from the Bird-Jackson era to the Bird-Stewart-Loyd era, maintaining their status as a perennial contender.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Storm have made the playoffs in 19 of their 25 seasons.
2. Seattle has never lost a WNBA Finals series (4-0 record).
3. Sue Bird played her entire 19-year WNBA career with the Storm, setting league records for assists and games played.
4. The Storm won the inaugural WNBA Commissioner's Cup in 2021.
5. Seattle has retired two jersey numbers: #10 (Sue Bird) and #15 (Lauren Jackson).

Team Highlights Timeline

2000: Seattle Storm enter the WNBA as an expansion team.

2001: Draft Lauren Jackson with the first overall pick.

2002: Select Sue Bird with the first overall pick.

2004: Win first WNBA Championship, defeating Connecticut Sun.

2010: Capture second WNBA title with a perfect playoff run.

2015: Draft Jewell Loyd with the first overall pick.

2016: Select Breanna Stewart with the first overall pick.

2018: Win third WNBA Championship, Stewart named Finals MVP.

2020: Secure fourth WNBA title in the Florida "wubble", Stewart repeats as Finals MVP.

2022: Sue Bird retires after 19 seasons with the Storm.

The Seattle Storm's legacy as one of the greatest teams in WNBA history is secure. With four championships spread across nearly two decades, they have demonstrated an ability to build and rebuild championship-caliber rosters. Their perfect record in the WNBA Finals speaks to their clutch performances on the biggest stage. Led by all-time greats like Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Breanna Stewart, the Storm have consistently fielded some of the most talented and well-rounded teams in the league.

What truly sets the Storm apart is their organisational consistency. Despite changes in ownership, coaching, and player personnel, Seattle has maintained a winning culture and a commitment to excellence. This is evidenced by their 19 playoff appearances in 25 seasons, a remarkable feat of sustained success.

The Storm's impact extends beyond their on-court achievements. They have been pioneers in many ways, from Anne Donovan becoming the first female coach to win a WNBA title, to their strong community engagement in the Seattle area. The team's ability to cultivate a passionate fan base in a crowded sports market is a testament to their connection with the city.

Looking ahead, the Storm face the challenge of maintaining their success in the post-Sue Bird era. However, with a core of young stars like Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, coupled with their proven ability to adapt and evolve, there's every reason to believe that Seattle will remain a force in the WNBA for years to come.

The Seattle Storm's combination of championship success, individual brilliance, and organisational excellence cements their place among the greatest teams in WNBA history. Their legacy serves as a blueprint for sustained success in professional women's basketball, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

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