Fair Play Bill Signed Into Law

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law the "Fair Play" bill ((SB 5967) yesterday with Anne Levinson from the Storm's ownership group, Force 10 Hoops, in attendance. The ACLU of Washington and the Women's Sports Foundation supported the bill, which ensures equal treatment for women's sports at the recreational level.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, who spoke to stormbasketball.com about the importance of women's athletics as part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, invited Levinson to take place in yesterday's signing. Sen. Kohl-Welles was a co-sponsor of the bill along with Rep. Christine Rolfes.

Photos courtesy of the Washington State Senate:


Gov. Gregoire celebrates signing the bill. Levinson is fourth from left.


Gov. Gregoire poses with Sen. Kohl-Welles, far right, and young supporters of the Fair Play Bill, from left to right, Julie Fradkin, Catherine Rolfes, Elizabeth Rolfes, Gabriel Fradkin, Grace Trautman and Francis Gellert. Catherine and Elizabeth are the daughters of Sen. Rolfes, the bill’s co-sponsor.


Sen. Kohl-Welles and her daughter, Terra Cooper, with Gov. Gregoire.


Young athletes take a moment to celebrate with the Governor.

Force 10 Profile Re-Airs Sunday

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Profiles featured Force 10 Hoops L.L.C., the Storm's ownership group, in an espiode last October. Now you've got another chance to watch. Tune in to KIRO 7 at 9 p.m. Sunday to see interviews with the members of Force 10 Hoops and more. Here's how KIRO describes the segment in a press release:

A similar dedication—to Seattle and to women’s professional sports—was the driving force behind Force 10 Hoops, a Seattle group that formed to convince the new SuperSonics owner that the Seattle Storm should stay in the city. In contrast to the drama that publicly unfolded for the Sonics, Lisa Brummel, Ginny Gilder, Anne Levinson and Dawn Trudeau—the local women who comprise Force 10—worked quietly to keep the Storm from hitting the Midwest. They talk with KIRO 7 Eyewitness News anchor Margo Myers about their game plan.

In an industry dominated by men and filled with disgruntled players and disillusioned fans, the four women share their determination to develop a nurturing, cooperative and winning environment for everyone involved.

To see extended versions of the interviews and for more information, check out the Eyewitness News Profiles site on KIRO7.com.

One Year Ago Today

Off the top of my head, I'd have a tough time picking the biggest day in the history of the Seattle Storm franchise. (Advance warning: This might be a poll as part of our 10th Anniversary celebration.) Oct. 10, 2004 has to be up there, and I'll never forget Aug. 9, 2002 (when the Storm defeated Portland in a must-win game en route to the first playoff appearance in franchise history).

For all the great games and all the acquisitions, it would be hard to top Jan. 8, 2008. As we remember in This Date in Storm History, one year ago today was when the Storm announced the team's sale from The Professional Basketball Club, L.L.C. to Force 10 Hoops L.L.C., the group of four local businesswomen committed to keeping the Storm in Seattle. With the Sonics now playing in Oklahoma City, we know the alternative we avoided.

The ensuing 365 days - actually 366, since 2008 was a leap year - have been a thrilling ride, from Brian Agler putting together a star-studded roster to a franchise record of wins to beginning life as an independent, stand-alone franchise.

I'm curious to get your memories of Jan. 8, 2008 (mine are all positive except for accidentally failing to record an interview with all four owners after the press conference ... oops) and thoughts on the first year of Force 10 Hoops as an ownership group.