May 6, 2026 — The Seattle Storm announced on May 5th the signing of rookie guard Taina Mair, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, to a player development roster spot.
The Boston native attended Storm media day last month and has been present at all practices during the Storm’s training camp. Mair appeared in both preseason games for the Storm, averaging 2.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. She also shot a perfect 100% from the free-throw line in her home-court debut against the Portland Fire on April 29 at Climate Pledge Arena.
Mair’s career highlights include:
- Named 2026 ACC Tournament MVP in her final season at Duke University
- Started every collegiate game of her career
- Earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors during her lone season at Boston College
The 2026 season marks the first year WNBA teams can sign up to two players with 0–3 years of league experience to development contracts, following a new provision in the collective bargaining agreement.
Under the rule, players become eligible for these contracts only after being placed on waivers. Mair was waived on Sunday, May 3. Teams may also upgrade a player from a development contract to a standard contract without requiring the player to pass through waivers again.
There are, however, limitations. Players on development contracts can appear in a maximum of 12 games during the season, leaving Mair with 10 remaining opportunities in the regular season. In return, players receive benefits such as traveling with the team, participating in all practices and training sessions, and earning a weekly financial stipend.
Up Next: The Storm returned to practice Wednesday and Thursday ahead of their regular-season home opener on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at Climate Pledge Arena against the Golden State Valkyries.
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