Griner's absence, Hammon's return headline WNBA's new season

The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with several intriguing storylines, including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.

There is no bigger headline engulfing the league than Griner.

The Mercury's all-star centre remains in Russia after being detained following her arrival at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17. Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Griner's status has been changed to "wrongfully detained" and she has a hearing scheduled for May 19.

The league plans to honour Griner and keep her ongoing situation front and centre with a floor decal that will feature her initials along with her number 42. It will appear on the home court of all 12 teams starting with Friday's season openers. The regular season ends Aug. 14.

Teams will play a record 36 games this year.

"The 36-game schedule will provide fans greater opportunities to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said when the schedule was announced in December.

DeShields joins the Mercury from the Sky, who will try and become the first team to repeat as champions since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001-02. Chicago added Emma Meesseman — the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP — to its roster.

Bird, Fowles could hang it up

Then there is the looming retirement of all-Stars Bird and Fowles.

Bird, the league's all-time assist leader, has said all signs are pointing toward this year being her last with the Seattle Storm, but she does not want the upcoming season to be a farewell tour.

Fowles has stated she will retire after this season. The WNBA's all-time leading rebounder said it was a tough decision whether to come back for a 15th season or not.

With Fowles and Bird having a foot out the door, the league welcomes back Hammon this season.

A few other storylines to follow this season:

Healthy Mystics

No team went through more injury problems the last two seasons then the Washington Mystics. Coach Mike Thibault hopes his team has finally put all that bad luck in the rearview mirror and is looking forward to having Elena Delle Donne and Alysha Clark in the lineup.

Delle Donne has only played in three games the last two seasons because of COVID-19 concerns and back issues. The former league MVP last was on the court fulltime in 2019 when the Mystics won their first championship. Clark missed last season, which would have been her first in Washington, due to a Lisfranc injury in her right foot.

Rebuilding Fever

Indiana used four first-round picks in the draft to try and rebuild its roster, taking NaLyssa Smith (2nd), Emily Engster (4th), Lexie Hull (6th) and Queen Egbo (10th). The Fever also drafted Destanni Henderson (20th). Draft choices haven't worked out so well for Indiana the last few years as the Fever selected Lauren Cox third in 2020 and she was cut last season. Last year Indiana took Kysre Gondrezick fourth. She is also no longer with the franchise.

Return of the Commissioner's Cup

The league is bringing back the Commissioner's Cup for the second year. The in-season tournament was won by Seattle last year. The Storm beat the Connecticut Sun in the championship game, which was played in Phoenix. There are 10 designated "Cup games" per team — the first home game and first road game each team plays against its five conference rivals.

Fresh starts

Meesseeman, Charles and DeShields aren't the only players in new places this season. Liz Cambage now calls Los Angeles home after leaving Las Vegas. The 6-foot-8 Australian centre will try and get the Sparks back into being championship contenders. Courtney Williams returned to Connecticut after spending two seasons with the Atlanta Dream. The Dream picked up former WNBA all-star MVP Erica Wheeler.