Seattle Storm chosen to host 2017 Verizon WNBA All-Star Game

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Storm announced Tuesday they have been chosen to host the Verizon WNBA All-Star Game 2017.

“It is an honor to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 to Seattle, for our fans, our team and for this city.  The combination of the city of Seattle and our passionate fan base will make this the perfect showcase for the best women’s basketball players in the world,” said Alisha Valavanis, Seattle Storm President & General Manager.

“Seattle has the best fans in the WNBA, and I am so proud to be hosting Verizon WNBA All-Star 2017 in our hometown,” said Sue Bird, Seattle’s nine-time WNBA All-Star guard.  “This event celebrates world-class basketball, and there is no other city more deserving than Seattle.”

The game will take place at KeyArena on Saturday, July 22.

“We are honored to host the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, which will bring the best basketball players in the world to the Emerald City,” added Seattle Mayor Ed Murray.  “Seattle is a basketball town, home to the two-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm and last year’s University of Washington women’s Final Four team. We are proud of this tradition and we will look forward to celebrating the WNBA in Seattle next summer.”

The MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Mariners shared their excitement about the news.

“As we embark upon the league’s 21st season, we’re thrilled to bring Verizon WNBA All-Star to Seattle and its great fan base for the first time,” said Borders.  “Historically, the All-Star Game has highlighted the absolute best in our world-class players – from Lisa Leslie’s dunk, to Shoni Schimmel’s otherworldly performance as a rookie, to the record-setting scoring efforts of Candace Parker in 2013 and Maya Moore in 2015 – and this time should only bring more excitement and moments for all to enjoy.”