Breanna Stewart receives a well-deserved video tribute from the Storm

SEATTLE — Brianna Stewart Receives Long-Awaited Tribute

After three years, Brianna Stewart is finally receiving the recognition she deserves.

Before the game on Thursday between the Liberty and the Storm, the arena announcer asked fans to look at the massive videoboard in Climate Pledge Arena.

A black screen displayed a message: “Three years ago, we missed out… and we wanted to do it right.”

Following that, a heartfelt video montage aired, celebrating Stewart’s achievements, who won two WNBA championships with the Storm.

Stewart, who sat out the game to rest, watched from the sidelines, her smile betraying the tears in her eyes. This marked her first return to Seattle since signing with New York ahead of the 2023 season.

In the past, the Storm hadn’t formally honored her on previous visits, which is generally customary when a player transitions to another team.

Last summer, Stewart mentioned feeling conflicted about coming back to Seattle.

She was drafted first overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft and quickly became one of the top players, earning Rookie of the Year honors and league MVP two years later, all while helping the Storm secure two titles in three years.

Despite her impressive contributions, the Storm never broadcast a tribute to her on their Jumbotron. They had made a point to honor other returning players, such as standout guard Jewell Lloyd.

Stewart expressed that it was painful not to be acknowledged by the franchise to which she gave so much.

“It was definitely emotional coming back here for the first time, and it hurt not being recognized in front of the fans,” she reflected. “But, ultimately, it’s not my decision. I’ll keep giving my best, and if that’s how the organization feels, that’s on them.”