The episode of “The Forecast,” Seattle’s weekly women’s sports show on KVRU 105.7 FM, covers a packed slate of women’s sports stories recorded on WNBA Draft Day 2026. Host Maggie Mertens and producer Jeff Shaw begin with updates from the NCBA Boxing National Championships, highlighting University of Washington boxers Apple Tran’s semifinal run and Jill Doucet’s national title at 125 pounds, along with Doucet being named best female boxer of the tournament and the importance of a collegiate program that embraces her individual style.

They then debrief the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, focusing on UCLA’s championship, Cori Close’s long-term program-building, and the value of a veteran, cohesive roster. The discussion centers on Lauren Betts’ WNBA potential, the difficulty of transitioning from college to the ultra-competitive WNBA, and why UCLA’s team-oriented excellence drew less attention than star-driven programs like UConn and South Carolina. They also critique Geno Auriemma’s behavior and comments around the tournament, praising Dawn Staley’s response and noting how ESPN’s postgame coverage signaled a new level of serious, critical analysis for women’s basketball.

The show moves through a rapid local and national roundup: the PWHL’s Seattle-based Torrent remain at the bottom of the table despite a recent win over Ottawa, in what has still been a breakthrough year for women’s hockey; OL Reign (referred to as Seattle Reign) sit at 3–1–1 after a scoreless draw with expansion side Denver Summit and prepare for their true home opener at Lumen Field on April 26. The hosts preview the U.S. Women’s National Team’s friendly against Japan in Seattle, where organizers hope to break the attendance record previously set at Megan Rapinoe’s farewell match. They also spotlight UW softball’s undefeated Big Ten start, a sweep of Minnesota, and a deep, team-first roster that could position the Huskies to host a super regional if they can take a home series from UCLA.

In the WNBA segment, Mertens shares insider gossip that the Seattle Storm’s new coach, Sonia Raman, and ownership are pursuing a youth-focused rebuild. The team has moved on from veterans Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams, and is tentatively building around Dominique Malonga (“Dom”), Ezi Magbegor, Jordan Horston, and a young core, while rumors swirl about a possible sign-and-trade involving Magbegor. The hosts note re-signings like Jade Melbourne and Katie Lou Samuelson, express skepticism about some free agency choices, and contrast the Storm’s uncertain direction with aggressive, well-funded moves by franchises like the Sparks, Aces, and Liberty under the new CBA.

The second half of the episode shifts on-site to a packed WNBA Draft watch party at Rough & Tumble, a women’s sports bar in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, where fans react live to the Storm’s draft decisions. After Minnesota selects Olivia Miles at No. 2, thwarting widespread expectations that Seattle would take her to fill a glaring need at point guard, the Storm surprise the room by drafting big Awa Fam at No. 3, adding to a frontcourt already featuring Ezi Magbegor, Dom Malonga, Stephanie Dolson, and the tall, versatile Jordan Horston. Mertens and fans express confusion about the team’s guard situation and overall direction, even as the bar’s atmosphere remains enthusiastic about women’s basketball more broadly.

The Storm’s later first-round pick of Duke’s Taina Mair at No. 14 deepens the hosts’ skepticism, as they note that she was not in the green room and that more highly touted prospects like Marta Suárez and Dorka Juhász (referred to as “Nepkins”) were still available. Mertens questions the front office’s decision-making and warns that if these choices don’t pan out, the general manager’s strategy will face serious scrutiny, even as she allows that Raman may be executing a “moneyball”-style, system-driven plan focused on defense, rebounding, and fit over star power.

A late-breaking trade dramatically reshapes the narrative: after the recording, the Storm deal Marta Suárez and a 2028 second-round pick to the Valkyries for LSU star guard and rapper Flau’jae Johnson. Mertens reports that the bar erupted when the news hit and describes Johnson as a true point guard, dynamic personality, and culture-builder who fills Seattle’s most pressing positional need and instantly makes the roster more balanced and exciting. The hosts close by reflecting on how this move, combined with the young international frontcourt, could form the foundation of a fun, competitive future Storm team, while promising to unpack further developments in the next episode.

0:00 - Weekly Sports Recap

32:50 - LIVE 2026 Draft Night Coverage from Rough & Tumble Columbia City\

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The Forecast is a Production of :

KVRU (https://www.kvru.org/shows/the-forecast/) & JEFFSCOTTSHAW

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Executive Producer + Host // Maggie Mertens // [email protected]

Executive Producer // JEFFSCOTTSHAW // [email protected]

Additional Production Support Provided By // Crystal Fincher & Shannon Cheng & Maurice Jones Jr.