Kicks for Equality
Part of the Storm's social justice platform, Force4Change, Kicks for Equality is an annual auction featuring custom designed sneakers worn by Storm players/coaches and other Storm memorabilia & experiences.
In 2026, the funds raised from the Kicks for Equality campaign will benefit the Storm Foundation and Force4Change efforts. The funds will go to the Storm Foundation – a registered 501(c)(3)—and distributed throughout the year to support our broader Force4Change efforts and initiatives, as guided by our players.
One of the most meaningful parts of Kicks for Equality is that every design begins with a conversation Our players and Coach Raman chose causes that reflect their lived experiences, the people they love and the communities they care about. These sneakers become an invitation for fans to better understand who this team is beyond basketball and to join us in creating positive change.
A few examples of how the funds may be used include:
- Donations to the honorees of Believe in Women Night to support their ongoing work around the community.
- Donation to the winner of the newly create Prism Award, given during Pride month to a LGBTQ+ leader of color, to support their ongoing efforts
Each year we select a talented BIPOC woman sneaker artist to work with the players to custom design their sneaker. The shoes reflect important causes for Storm players such as mental health, gun violence awareness, Black Lives Matter, Pride, gender equality, indigenous people awareness, and African art and heritage.
This year's featured artist, Jayda Noble, is a Washington native and former University of Washington student-athlete whose neo-expressionist style blends athletics, identity, and self-expression. Noble collaborated closely with each Storm player and Coach Raman to transform the causes most meaningful to them into one-of-a-kind wearable works of art.
Sneakerball
In addition to the online auction, the Storm presented Sneakerball, an exclusive event held at the Moët & Chandon Impérial Lounge at Climate Pledge Arena where guests enjoyed a premium dining experience, had the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction items and network with VIP guests.
Give Back Fund
The launch of our Give Back Fund is supported by the foundation, where each player selects a nonprofit aligned with Force4Change pillars and we make a donation in their honor. See below for our 2026 roster selections.
Access to Play
Jordan Horston
Boys and Girls Club
Inspires and enables young people, especially those who need support most
Animal Adoption
Natisha Hiedeman
Homeward Pet
Provides shelter, medical care, and adoption services for cats and dogs
Autism Awareness
Sonia Raman
WA Autism Alliance
Provides access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities
Black Maternal Health
Katie Lou Samuelson
Open Arms Perinatal Services
Provides pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting support through community-based doulas and educators for Black women
Brain Cancer Awareness
Mackenzie Holmes
End Brain Cancer Now Initiative
Provides patient navigation, education, advocacy, and research funding to improve outcomes for individuals affected by brain cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness
Dominique Malonga and Taylor Thierry
Northwest Hope and Healing
Provides immediate financial assistance to individuals undergoing treatment for breast and gynecologic cancers
Taina Mair
Cierra Sisters
Advances health equity through education, advocacy, and programs that improve health outcomes
Empowering Girls
Ezi Magbegor
Project Girl Mentoring Program
Empowers girls and young women of color through mentorship, leadership development, college and career readiness, and life-skills programming.
End World Hunger
Jade Melbourne
Ballard Food Bank
Provides nutritious food, housing assistance, and supportive services to neighbors in need.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Stefanie Dolson
Lambert House
Provides support groups, community programming, and leadership opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth
Mental Health Awareness
Awa Fam
Therapy Fund Foundation
Provides therapy scholarships and mental health resources while working to eliminate financial barriers to accessing quality mental health care
Pay Equity
Zia Cooke
Washington Women's Foundation
Invests in organizations creating lasting opportunities for women, girls, and families across Washington
Racial Economic Justice
Flau'jae Johnson
Black Future Co-Op Fund
Invests in Black-led organizations and initiatives that build economic opportunity and community wealth.
Commissioner’s Cup
The WNBA’s 30th season focuses on the past, present, and future eras of the league. For this year’s Commissioner’s Cup, teams selected an organization that reflected their own legacy. For Seattle, that organization is the King County Library System (KCLS) Foundation. Since 2016, the Storm has partnered with KCLS to support Summer Reading, helping inspire young readers while bringing thousands of families and youth to Storm games each year.
In 2026, the WNBA donated a grand total of $7,000 to KCLS to continue their important work in our community.
