Camille Little News

After falling in the Western Conference finals last year, the Los Angeles Sparks appear ready to contend for the WNBA title.

Seattle Storm's Tina Thompson grabs the ball against the Tulsa Shock in a May 17 preseason WNBA game.

From left, Nakia Sanford, Temeka Johnson and Noelle Quinn were veterans brought in to make an immediate impact for the Storm this year.

The Seattle Storm got used to star center Lauren Jackson being absent because of injuries and commitments with the Australian national team.

The Storm plays its exhibition opener against Los Angeles on Sunday at Long Beach State's Pyramid.

Storm All-Star point guard Sue Bird underwent successful left knee surgery Thursday to remove a cyst, according to the team.

"Coach is still on me, so that's a good sign," the forward said after the team finished a two-hour practice to open training camp Sunday.