Dawn Trudeau’s Day in the Life: Steering the Seattle Storm

The NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics moved in 2008, prompting a possible relocation of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm to Oklahoma. A local group, Force 10 Hoops, bought the franchise and kept it in Seattle. Co-owners include Dawn Trudeau and former player Sue Bird. Under Force 10, the Storm have won four championships.

The Guardian

Trudeau rises at 6:30 a.m., checks the New York Times, and does neck and lower-back therapy with her cats, Stewie and Jewell. She drinks coffee from a Storm mug, selects a team T-shirt, and gardens lilies on her deck while listening to NPR. She serves on the board of the Pacific Science Center, which offers free memberships. She meets friends for lunch before walking the 15-minute route to Climate Pledge Arena. At the arena she watches early free-throws and notes that the Storm, currently last in the Western Conference, are rebuilding around rookie Flau’jae Johnson and center Dominique Malonga.

The Guardian

Trudeau describes herself as a “hands-off” owner, stating “You have to believe in your staff.” She trusts the general manager and coaches to handle roster decisions. She avoids the locker room before games, offering praise only after notable performances. Her mission is to expand professional opportunities for women, noting that since acquiring the team 18 years ago the goal has been to create better lifestyles for players.

The Guardian

Four championships; currently last in the Western Conference with a rebuilding roster featuring rookie Flau’jae Johnson and center Dominique Malonga. The Storm’s community programs aim to raise visibility for women’s basketball.

The Guardian

Trudeau cites gender equity as a personal priority, referencing her purchase of season tickets in 2000 as early support for the franchise. She highlights the Storm’s vision to provide a fully professional environment for players, including community access through the Pacific Science Center. She aims to minimize athlete distractions on game day and maintain a supportive presence after contests.

The Guardian

• “I thought, Wow, this is something!” — Dawn Trudeau, recalling her first Sonics game.

The Guardian

• “Part of my mission in life is gender equity,” — Trudeau, on buying season tickets.

The Guardian

• “You have to believe in your staff,” — Trudeau, on ownership philosophy.

The Guardian

• “Since we bought the team 18 years ago,” Trudeau says, “we’ve wanted to create more opportunities for women, and particularly for our league and players.” — Trudeau, on the Storm’s long-term vision.

The Guardian

The Storm’s first home game of the new year is a preseason contest against the expansion Portland Fire. Trudeau expects a “friendly rivalry” as both squads field largely untested lineups, testing the roster.

The Guardian