When the Seattle SuperSonics left the Pacific Northwest in 2008, the franchise's sister team, the Seattle Storm, nearly vanished too. But a group of local women stepped in, bought the team, and kept it in Seattle. Today, the Storm are a WNBA powerhouse with four championships and legends like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. At the heart of that success is Dawn Trudeau, a co-owner and the driving force behind Force 10 Hoops. We asked her to walk us through a typical gameday—from dawn to tip-off.
Rise and Shine: The Owner's Morning Routine
Trudeau's alarm goes off at 6:30 AM. Her first move? Grabbing her phone to scan the news. "I usually look at the New York Times headlines," she says, to stay informed about world events. Then comes exercise—but not a gym session. She does physical therapy for her neck and lower back, often on the floor with her two cats, Stewie and Jewell, named after former Storm stars Stewart and Loyd.
After stretching, she enjoys a quiet moment gardening on her deck while listening to NPR. "That's my calming thing," Trudeau explains. "One area on the deck I call my jungle. There are so many lilies planted out there, it's hard to walk around when they're in bloom." This blend of personal wellness and nature helps her center before the chaos of gameday.
Pre-Game: Strategy, Meetings, and Fan Engagement
By mid-morning, Trudeau shifts into owner mode. She reviews team operations, checks in with the general manager, and looks over sponsorship activations. "I want to know what the fan experience will be like," she says. This includes everything from arena signage to community events happening before tip-off. She also connects with the coaching staff to ensure the team has everything it needs.
Trudeau sits on multiple boards, including the Pacific Science Center, which is adjacent to Climate Pledge Arena. "Seattle Center for us is like Central Park in New York," she notes. The Science Center's mission of inclusive education resonates with her. She often stops by before games to see exhibits or meet with educators, blending her civic duties with her passion for basketball.
Game Time: The Owner's Role During Play
Come tip-off, Trudeau's role changes. She's not coaching or playing, but she's highly visible—greeting season-ticket holders, shaking hands with sponsors, and watching the game from a suite or courtside. "I'm always thinking about the fan perspective," she says. "Is the music right? Are the concessions moving? Are families having fun?"
During timeouts, she might pop into the locker room or meet with media. But she stays out of the basketball decisions. "My job is to create the environment where the team can succeed," Trudeau explains. That means investing in player wellness, arena upgrades, and community outreach. The Storm's progressive ownership group has been a model for the WNBA, focusing on equity and fan connection.
Post-Game: Reflection and Community
After the final buzzer, Trudeau doesn't rush home. She often attends post-game events or meets with fans in the arena concourse. "I want to hear what they loved and what we can improve," she says. Then she heads back to her deck for a wind-down, checking her phone for game highlights and news clips. She might call the head coach for a quick debrief.
Trudeau's gameday ends around 11 PM, but her work never stops. She's already thinking about the next game, the next partnership, and how to keep the Storm at the forefront of women's sports. "We built this for Seattle," she says. "And every gameday is a chance to show what that means."
FAQ: What Does a WNBA Team Owner Do?
How much time does Dawn Trudeau spend with the team on gameday?
She typically arrives at the arena several hours before tip-off and stays until about an hour after the game ends. She attends pre-game meetings, greets fans, and monitors the overall fan experience.
Does the owner make coaching decisions?
No. Trudeau says she hires the best coaches and trusts them to handle basketball strategy. Her focus is on business operations, community relations, and creating a winning culture off the court.
What is Force 10 Hoops?
Force 10 Hoops is the ownership group that bought the Seattle Storm in 2008 to keep the team in Seattle. It is composed of local women leaders, including Dawn Trudeau, who prioritize equity, innovation, and fan engagement.
