LOS ANGELES — The Sparks and Seattle Storm have long been rivals in the WNBA’s Western Conference.
However, their shared experience with Canadian star Kia Nurse, a two-time Olympic team member, was one of the primary reasons both teams were selected to participate in this year’s WNBA Canada Game.
The familiar foes will mark new territory together, as the three-time WNBA champion Sparks and the four-time WNBA champion Storm will play in the WNBA Canada game May 5 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
“A variety of different factors, including those two teams and their ownership being willing to travel and play,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said during a Zoom news conference Wednesday. “One of them gives up a home game as a result, but it’s good to have both of these teams with their rich traditions.”
The game will also have several on-court storylines.
The Sparks, who have not made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, will face former franchise player Nneka Ogwumike, who recently signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Storm.
“I know L.A. has struggled in the last couple of years, but they have a rich history in this league, one of the original teams,” Engelbert said. “They’ll come back to glory, I’m sure.”
The matchup will also be an opportunity for the Sparks’ No. 2 and No. 4 overall draft picks to play on an international stage, less than three weeks after being selected in the WNBA draft on April 15.
“For the Sparks, obviously you see they have the No. 2 and No. 4 pick. I think in this draft that’s going to be really exciting as we get into the conference championships, NCAA (women’s tournament) and as players look to join the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “I think it’s exciting for them to only after a couple of weeks of practice to show on the court up in Edmonton.”
Nurse, acquired via trade with the Storm, is a native of Hamilton, Ontario. The 6-foot guard is a 2019 All-Star and a key player…
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