The Storm Find Their New Leader

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

The Seattle Storm have hired Sonia Raman, a New York Liberty assistant, as their next head coach on a multiyear deal. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: Raman spent four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies before joining Sandy Brondello’s staff in New York and previously served as head coach of MIT’s women’s basketball team for 12 seasons. Per Bella Munson of The IX, Raman is known for her player development skills and analytics approach. She’s also got elite X’s and O’s knowledge, often drawing up the Liberty’s late-game and after-timeout offensive situations.

For Seattle, this feels like the start of a major reset, one that could see the roster significantly retooled around its young core.

Over 70 elected officials have signed a letter supporting the WNBA Players Association and its ongoing CBA negotiations, echoing the athletes’ calls for improved pay and revenue sharing. (Yahoo Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: When politicians start weighing in, it’s a sign the league’s influence has gone mainstream. The WNBA has become such a cultural force now that government leaders feel compelled to show public support.

Florida State will retire Natasha Howard’s jersey on November 16, honoring one of the program’s all-time greats. (Florida State Athletics)

WHY IT MATTERS: Howard never gets the spotlight, but her consistency and effort make her one of the league’s most respected vets. At FSU, she set program records for rebounds (1,047), double-doubles (41), and points in a single game (40 vs. Syracuse). She’s since gone on to win three WNBA titles across an 11-year pro career.