International Reporter Blasts WNBA for Causing Embarrassing PR Mishap With No.2 Draft Pick Dominique Malonga

“I’m so proud just to show that today French basketball is at a level that we have never seen.” Those were Dominique Malonga’s words moments after hearing her name called. The Seattle Storm had just picked their No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. At 6’6, the center from France made history. She became the highest-drafted French player the league has ever seen. It was a moment with years in the making. Her breakout year turned heads across the basketball world.

By the time draft night arrived, she was one of the most talked-about international players in the game. Now, she was officially a pro. And the story of French basketball had a new chapter. But the biggest night of her career took a turn during her first press conference as a WNBA player.

A French reporter began asking Malonga a question in French, congratulating her and asking what the moment meant for French basketball. Before he could finish, a WNBA PR official interrupted and told him to speak in English. Malonga asked if she could answer in French. She was allowed—but told to translate her response herself.

She went ahead anyway, sharing how much the moment meant to her and how proud she was to represent France. The awkward exchange quickly drew criticism.

International journalist Robert F. Rodrigues posted, “I did NOT like at all WNBA PR interrupting a media member asking a French player a question in FRENCH mid-sentence… Dominique then had to ASK if she could answer in French, her own language, and was requested to translate herself after.”

Roberta, a bilingual journalist who covers women’s basketball, added, “It’s already so hard for us to gather courage to speak in press conferences. To be interrupted like that discourages us from asking questions in the future. I will always advocate for fair treatment of international media in women’s basketball spaces.”

Last fall, Malonga became the first French female player to dunk in a professional game. She followed it up with a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped France win silver after a hard-fought gold medal game loss to Team USA. She averaged 15.0 points and 10.3 rebounds this past season with Lyon and proved she could stretch the floor with her shooting.

The handling of her press conference stood in contrast to the WNBA’s message of global inclusion. Malonga’s story fits exactly the kind of international success the league has been promoting. But her first official moment as a draftee revealed a disconnect between message and execution.

After the press conference, Malonga again emphasized what the night meant to her and to French basketball.

She pointed to the rise of French talent like Victor Wembanyama and Zaccharie Risacher on the men’s side, and said her own path shows that French women are rising too. “It’s not only men French players—it’s also women,” she said. “It’s just French basketball in general.”

Malonga won’t turn 20 until November 16. But she’s already proven she can handle pressure. She credited FIBA international play for toughening her up, and her Olympic performance backed it up. Her size, skill, and composure made her one of the most exciting prospects in the draft.

She now joins a Seattle Storm team that finished 25-15 last season. The roster includes nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike, three-time WNBA champion Alysha Clark, and six-time All-WNBA guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who enters her 11th season and second with the Storm.

Malonga now faces the challenge of moving to a new country, joining a new league, and settling into a team across the U.S.—all before turning 20. She knows she’s carrying more than just the flag for France. She also represents her family’s roots in Cameroon and Congo.

Still, she sounds ready for it all. Her game speaks for itself. And now, so does her voice.

After Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm Loads Up With Other Round Picks

The Seattle Storm didn’t just make waves by picking Dominique Malonga No. 2 overall—they kept building through every round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.

In Round 3, they added three more promising rookies to their roster, starting with Kansas State point guard Serena Sundell at pick No. 26. The 6’2″ floor general led the nation in assists this past season, dishing out 7.1 per game. Her 262 total assists not only set a Kansas State record but also topped the entire country. She also put up 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting a scorching 50.1% from the field—making her just the third player since 1993-94 to finish a season with 500+ points, 250+ assists, and a 50% or better field goal percentage.

There’s athleticism in her blood, too. Her older brother, Jalen Sundell, is a center for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. He played 12 games last season after signing as an undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State.

Three picks later at No. 29, the Storm turned to sharp-shooting guard Madison Conner out of TCU. Conner lit up college basketball the last two years with her deep range, leading the NCAA in made 3-pointers. She averaged 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in her final season, all while hitting 45% from beyond the arc and helping the Horned Frogs reach the Elite Eight. She was the second TCU player selected in the draft, following Hailey Van Lith.

The Storm closed out their draft night with pick No. 34, selecting Jordan Hobbs from Michigan. Hobbs started every game of her senior season and averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 31.4 minutes. She capped off her college career with a career-high 28-point performance in the NCAA Tournament against Iowa State.

“Dominique is a rising global star, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Seattle,” said Storm GM Talisa Rhea. “She brings versatility, skill, and a high level of efficiency. We know she’ll be an integral part of our team—now and for years to come.”

Translation? The Storm aren’t just adding a new name to the roster—they’re investing in a future cornerstone. Dominique isn’t just hype; she’s got the game to back it up. Versatile, efficient, and already making waves on the international stage, she’s stepping into Seattle ready to make an impact. And from the way the front office is talking, they see her as a long-term game-changer.

With Malonga headlining the draft class and the trio of Sundell, Conner, and Hobbs bringing depth, shooting, and IQ, the Storm are quietly loading up. They’re building around a core that already includes veterans like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Nneka Ogwumike, and Alysha Clark.

Malonga might be the new face, but she won’t be carrying the rookie spotlight alone. This Seattle draft haul has the makings of something special.