Last Updated on June 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Seattle Storm have been one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises since entering the league in 2000. The team’s ownership history includes a pivotal transition that ensured professional women’s basketball remained in Seattle after the departure of the NBA’s SuperSonics.

Howard Schultz and SuperSonics Ownership Group (2000–2006)

The Seattle Storm were founded in 2000 as a WNBA expansion franchise and were owned by Howard Schultz and the Seattle SuperSonics ownership group through Starbucks Corporation’s former chairman and CEO.

During the franchise’s early years, the Storm quickly emerged as a contender and won their first WNBA championship in 2004 behind stars Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Betty Lennox.

Clay Bennett Ownership Group (2006–2008)

In 2006, an ownership group led by Clay Bennett purchased the Seattle SuperSonics and Seattle Storm. While Bennett’s group ultimately relocated the SuperSonics franchise to Oklahoma City, the Storm remained in Seattle.

The team’s future became uncertain during this period as local investors worked to keep the WNBA franchise in the city.

Force 10 Hoops, LLC (2008–2024)

In 2008, Force 10 Hoops, LLC, a group led by Dawn Trudeau, Lisa Brummel, and Ginny Gilder, purchased the Storm. The acquisition ensured that the franchise would remain in Seattle following the SuperSonics’ departure.

Under Force 10 Hoops ownership, the Storm became one of the WNBA’s model franchises. The team won championships in 2010, 2018, and 2020, while maintaining strong community support and organizational stability.

Seattle Storm Ownership Group (2024–Present)

In 2024, a new investor group acquired a controlling interest in the franchise. Led by Seattle-based business leaders, the ownership group retained the Storm’s commitment to remaining in Seattle and continuing the franchise’s tradition of excellence.

The new ownership structure has focused on expanding the team’s business operations, enhancing player resources, and building upon the Storm’s status as one of the WNBA’s premier organizations.

Seattle Storm Owners at a Glance

  • Howard Schultz and SuperSonics Ownership Group (2000–2006)
  • Clay Bennett Ownership Group (2006–2008)
  • Force 10 Hoops, LLC (2008–2024)
  • Seattle Storm Ownership Group (2024–Present)

The Storm’s ownership history is defined by stability, local investment, and a commitment to women’s basketball. The successful effort to keep the team in Seattle in 2008 remains one of the most important moments in franchise history and helped pave the way for multiple championship-winning seasons.