Commanders' Bobby Wagner on ownership stake in WNBA's Storm: 'I want to be on the right side of change'

Bobby Wagner, heading into his second season with the Washington Commanders and his 14th NFL season overall, has become a minority owner of the WNBA's Seattle Storm. This makes him the first active NFL player to acquire ownership in a WNBA franchise, as confirmed by the league. Wagner, a Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks, expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating it allows him to stay connected to the Seattle community and contribute to the growth of women's basketball.

Wagner cited inspiration from the late Kobe Bryant, who was a significant influence in his support for women's sports. He aims to "pick up where Bryant left off" by promoting initiatives both on and off the court. Wagner, drafted by the Seahawks in 2012, has a streak of 13 consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons and developed admiration for the Storm during his time in Seattle, noting their community efforts as particularly impactful and inspiring to the Seahawks organization.

He received guidance from Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the WNBA's L.A. Sparks and part of the Commanders ownership group, who mentored him through the ownership process and later congratulated him. Wagner, a two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, recently earned his 10th Pro Bowl selection with the Commanders in 2024, helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game.