The Seattle Storm appeared to avoid consequences from an external investigation into bullying allegations, until the other shoe dropped later Wednesday.
Storm star point guard Jewell Loyd has requested a trade from the Storm, according to Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times. The request is reportedly in connection to the bullying and harassment allegations she made in a complaint against the Storm’s coaching staff, which led to an investigation that found no violations.
Loyd’s future in Seattle was reportedly contingent on the belief that relationships in the organization could be mended. We can probably ascertain how she feels now.
The Storm said Wednesday that an external investigation concluded without finding any violations of team or league policy or any clear discrimination, harassment or bullying, according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
“The Storm recently received internal allegations of potential workplace policy violations,” the team said. “The organization retained an outside investigator to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations. The investigation has been completed and there were no findings of policy violations or any discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
“To protect the integrity of the process, and to preserve confidentiality, we chose not to comment while the investigation was ongoing. The Storm will continue to provide a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.”
If the Storm grant Loyd’s request, it will be the end of a decade-long tenure in Seattle. The Storm drafted Loyd first overall out of Notre Dame and have watched her blossom into a perennial All-Star and locker room leader. She also signed a two-year supermax extension last year.
Allegations were first reported last month over alleged harassment and bullying by the team’s coaching staff, which are accusations we now know Loyd was at the center of. The mistreatment allegedly took place during practices and games, and was tied to player performance during the 2024 season. The investigation was reportedly sparked by the experiences of multiple players on the team, though further specifics into the allegations are not known.
The Storm hired an external law firm to investigate the claims. That investigation, which the WNBA and the players association were aware of, concluded officially on Wednesday.
The Storm went 25-15 last season and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. That wrapped up head coach Noelle Quinn’s fourth season with the franchise. She’s gone 74-68 since taking over as the team’s head coach, and this past season was her best at the helm. She signed a multi-year extension last fall, and assistant coach Pokey Chatman was promoted to associate general manager in addition to her role on the coaching staff. Former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman was an assistant coach last season, too. Perry Huang was also on staff, but he has since left to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate as an assistant.
The Storm will have the No. 9 overall pick in the WNBA Draft this spring. They will then open the season against the Phoenix Mercury on May 17.
