The Storm Arrives

IMG Seattle Storm

By Bo Crouch Axess Sports

The Storm open the 2026 season Friday night against the Valkyries at Climate Pledge Arena, beginning a new chapter built around youth, athleticism and long-term development.

Seattle’s offseason focused heavily on reshaping the roster. The Storm added international center Awa Fam and acquired rookie guard Flau'jae Johnson in a draft-night move that immediately drew attention around the league. The franchise is continuing to build around All-Defensive center Ezi Magbegor while hoping several younger players take major steps forward this season.

The projected roster entering opening night includes Lexie Brown, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, Zia Cooke, Mackenzie Holmes, Flau'jae Johnson and Awa Fam. Seattle believes the combination of perimeter speed, defensive versatility and improved scoring depth can help the team return to playoff contention after an inconsistent 2025 campaign.

One of the biggest storylines entering Friday’s opener is the status of Jordan Horston. The forward has been recovering from the torn ACL she suffered last season, but reports from training camp suggest she has made strong progress. If healthy, Horston could become one of Seattle’s most important two-way players because of her ability to defend multiple positions while also creating offense in transition.

Seattle also finalized several difficult roster decisions this week. The Storm waived rookie guard Taina Mair after preseason play despite selecting her in the second round of the draft. The organization also waived Jalyn Brown, Elle Ladine and Beatrice Mompremier as teams across the WNBA cut rosters down ahead of opening night.

Training camp competition remained intense throughout the preseason. Veteran forward Rennia Davis was among the players brought in to compete for depth spots as Seattle evaluated how best to balance veteran experience with developmental upside.

Friday’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries gives Seattle an immediate measuring stick. Golden State entered the league as an expansion franchise last season and is looking to establish its identity quickly, while the Storm are attempting to transition into a younger era without losing their defensive foundation while elevating their presence on the glass.

The game also carries extra intrigue because of the teams’ draft-night connection involving Flau'jae Johnson and forward Marta Suarez, who was later waived by Golden State during final roster cuts. The Valkyries also acquired former Storm All Star and the league's top perimeter defender and lead the WNBA in steals in Gabby Williams.

For Seattle, the season will likely depend on how quickly the younger core develops around Ezi Magbegor and betting on a big step forward for Dominique Malonga. The Storm still possess one of the league’s premier defensive anchors, but they will need consistent offensive production from players like Lexie Brown, Zia Cooke and Flau'jae Johnson to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

The opener begins a challenging early stretch for Seattle. Following Friday’s game against Golden State, the Storm head into road matchups against the Connecticut Sun, Toronto Tempo and Indiana Fever.

Opening night tips off Friday at Climate Pledge Arena as the Seattle Storm begin what the organization hopes is the start of another successful era of basketball in Seattle.