🎙 ACROSS THE BRM NETWORK
WONDERFUL NEWS IN THE EMERALD CITY
Photo via the Seattle Storm
The WNBA preseason officially kicks off this weekend, and the Seattle Storm received the best news possible.
In Issue 067 of the Women’s Basketball Roundup, we discussed the plight of Dominique Malonga. In October, Malonga withdrew from Fenerbahçe due to a lingering wrist injury. Fener objected and threatened to prevent her from playing in the upcoming WNBA season. Fortunately, that option has been avoided.
On April 22, ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou reported that Malonga received a letter of clearance from FIBA so she can play in the WNBA. For those of us unaware, here’s a helpful explanation:
To play in both the WNBA and in FIBA-affiliated leagues, FIBA requires players to obtain a letter of clearance to confirm player eligibility. FIBA must request clearance from the WNBA for a player coming off their WNBA season who is set to play in a FIBA-affiliated league; in turn, the WNBA must request clearance from the player's club through FIBA when a player is transitioning from playing in FIBA to playing in the W.
With Malonga all clear, the Storm will have one of the most intriguing frontcourts in the WNBA in 2026.
Malonga, Ezi Magbegor, and Awa Fam provide a tremendous amount of length and athleticism that should create plenty of trouble for opponents. They’ll also look to use their athleticism to create advantages on offense.
As Seattle looks to establish their identity, this training camp will be a great opportunity for them to find out what works best.
On the latest edition of Tempestade Talk, Erica L. Ayala and Roberta F. Rodrigues discussed some early observations from Storm camp
“We’re just trying to get down the floor as quickly as we can and then we’re going to make decisions out of it,” Storm head coach Sonia Raman said. “Get up the floor and run. Push the ball. That’s also going to translate obviously on the defensive end with the ability to pressure the ball knowing the help that we have behind, knowing the length, the deflection.”
The Storm have a lot going for them. With a new head coach and young stars ready to take over, their future looks incredibly promising.
The 2026 season doesn’t figure to be a championship season, but if they can take positive steps forward, they’ll be contending sooner than we think.
The Lineup
Here’s what you need to know today:
🌟 It’s star time
The LA Sparks hope to return to prominence in 2026.
⛹🏽♀️ Upcoming games
The WNBA pre-season is officially underway!
💰 Money moves
The WNBA might be in a bit of a pickle…
📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.