Seattle Storm coaching staff reportedly being investigated for alleged player mistreatment

The Seattle Storm coaching staff is reportedly under investigation for allegedly mistreating players, according to Annie Costabile of the Sun-Times.

The team has reportedly hired a law firm to look into accusations of alleged harassment and bullying by the coaching staff. The mistreatment took place during practices and games was tied to player performance during the 2024 WNBA season, which saw the Storm go 25-15 during and get swept in their first round series against the Las Vegas Aces.

Two weeks have passed since the investigation, which the Storm and WNBA Players Association are aware of, got underway.

According to the Sun-Times, the investigation began due to the experiences of multiple players.

The Storm have been led by head coach Noelle Quinn since 2021. Assistant Perry Huang joined the same season Quinn was promoted and assistant coaches Pokey Chatman and Ebony Hoffman were hired in 2022. Quinn signed a multi-year extension in Sept. 2023 at the same time Chatman was given associate general manager duties in addition to her role on the coaching staff.

Ahead of the 2025 WNBA free agent market opening up in February, six Storm players will be unrestricted free agents, including forwards Nneka Ogwumike and Mercedes Russell and guard Sami Whitcomb.