2021 All-WNBA First-Team pick returns to Seattle coming off career-best season
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm announced today that two-time WNBA Champion, three-time All-Star, and 2021 All-WNBA First Team member Jewell Loyd has re-signed with the franchise. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Jewell is a special talent with a tremendous work ethic and having her back greatly improves our chances of contending for a fifth championship,” said Noelle Quinn, Storm Head Coach. “Last season, she evolved into an elite defender, combining with her offensive firepower to solidify why she’s among the best in the league.”
Loyd was the No. 1 overall pick by the Storm in the 2015 WNBA Draft and has spent all seven seasons in the league in Seattle. During her tenure with the Storm, Loyd has averaged 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.2% from the field and 88.3% from the free throw line. The three-time WNBA All-Star has been a consistent scorer during her career, scoring in double-figures in 168 games through 2021—the third-most by any player since 2015.
“Seattle is my second home and I’m excited to return and win more championships with this amazing group,” said Loyd.
Loyd had an outstanding 2021 campaign, averaging 17.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals—all career-highs. She capped off the season by scoring a career-high 37 points vs Phoenix on Sept. 17—the most by a WNBA player during the season. In addition, she tied a WNBA record with 22 points in the first quarter of the game. It was one of 12 games Loyd scored 20+ points and her second game scoring at least 35 over the final month of the season.
“As one of the best players in the WNBA and a critical piece to our future success, keeping Jewell in Seattle was a top priority for us,” said Talisa Rhea, Storm General Manager. “Jewell has made a positive impact on each member of this franchise and throughout the local community during her time here. Her dedication to improving her game and her leadership both on and off the court embodies the championship culture we have developed here.”
Loyd scored her 3,000th career point on June 22, 2021, becoming the 3rd Storm player and 12th-youngest WNBA player to reach milestone. She also pulled down her 750th career rebound in the regular-season finale vs Phoenix, making her one of just two Storm players with 3,000+ points, 750+ rebounds, 650+ assists, and 250+ steals. Loyd is the 41st player in league history to amass those numbers and the fourth youngest.
The Seattle Storm opens the 2022 season on Friday, May 6, hosting the Minnesota Lynx in its return home, playing its first full season in Seattle since 2018 at the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena. Tickets are available at http://ticketcentral.seattlestormbasketball.com, or by calling 206-217-WNBA (9622).