By Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant
The WNBA reviewed a complaint that a Seattle Storm assistant coach cursed at a Las Vegas Aces player after Sunday’s game, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic.
Barring further developments, no formal league discipline is expected.
At practice on Thursday, Seattle general manager Talisa Rhea told the assembled media, “It’s an alleged comment, and the league is looking into it, and that’s really the extent of it. It’s not an investigation into our organization.”
The alleged profanity is believed to have been directed at Jewell Loyd, who joined the Aces during the 2025 offseason after 10 seasons with Seattle, the source said. The Aces defeated the Storm, 75-70, in Sunday’s Commissioner’s Cup opener. The two teams also met on May 25, with Seattle defeating Las Vegas, 102-82.
Loyd requested a trade from the Storm last offseason following an investigation into its coaching staff for violations of workplace conduct. The investigation, which Seattle hired outside counsel to conduct, concluded with no evidence of wrongdoing on the Storm’s behalf. The team had been looking into possible violations of discrimination, harassment and bullying.
“I’m healed, and healing from the process,” Loyd recently told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “So to keep opening up a wound, it makes no sense to me. Maybe there’s a time and place — maybe later down the line, or whatever. I’m a big believer that regardless of what happens, everything will come out when it needs to. And if it doesn’t, it’s OK. I feel like I’m in a really good spot and place.”
The Storm directed a request for comment regarding the recent complaint to the WNBA. The Aces declined to comment.
Loyd is averaging 10.2 points per game this season and totaled 28 points on 7 of 21 shooting in the two games versus the Storm.
The Aces play the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday, while Seattle plays the Phoenix Mercury.
(Photo of Jewell Loyd: Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images)
