The Seattle Storm are currently under investigation for alleged mistreatment of players by their coaching staff, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The organization has enlisted a law firm to investigate accusations of harassment and bullying related to player performance. These allegations have raised concerns within the team about the behavior of the coaches towards the players throughout the season.
Noelle Quinn’s Role and Coaching Staff
Noelle Quinn, who completed her fourth season as head coach of the Storm, is at the center of the investigation. Quinn, a former WNBA player, took over as head coach in early 2021 after the retirement of Dan Hughes. The coaching staff under her leadership included Ebony Hoffman, a former WNBA player, Pokey Chatman, a veteran coach, and Perry Huang, who recently left the team to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League staff. Despite the strong coaching staff, the team is facing serious scrutiny over the allegations.
The Storm had a strong regular season, finishing with a 25-15 record, but were swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs. Coach Quinn expressed her disappointment with the team’s effort at various points during the season, including after the playoff loss. She publicly vowed to improve both her performance and the team’s effort moving forward, emphasizing that effort would no longer be a concern for the organization.
Struggles and Roster Changes in Recent Years
The Storm have faced challenges in recent seasons, particularly after the retirement of franchise legend Sue Bird in 2022 and the departure of two-time champion Breanna Stewart for New York. In 2023, the team had a difficult year, finishing with an 11-29 record, though Jewell Loyd led the league in scoring. However, with the addition of veteran free agents Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith in 2024, the team saw a significant improvement, as five players averaged double-digit points per game.
As the team looks ahead to the 2025 season, there is some uncertainty regarding the roster. While Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith are both signed for the upcoming season, Nneka Ogwumike is a free agent. Additionally, the ongoing investigation into the coaching staff could have significant consequences for the future of the organization. The outcome of this investigation may influence the team’s leadership and its approach both on and off the court.
