From rookies to expansion teams to coaching changes, learn what you need to know for the 2008 WNBA season.

Atlanta Added To League

The WNBA is back to 14 teams after the addition of the expansion Atlanta Dream. Coach Marynell Meadors will have former Seattle stalwart Iziane Castro Marques and point guard Ivory Latta at her disposal along with veterans Betty Lennox, Katie Feenstra and Kristen Mann, who were acquired in February’s expansion draft.

Olympic Break

The league will suspend play from July 28 to Aug. 27 to allow its stars to represent their countries in this summer’s Olympics. Players not involved in Olympic competition will remain with their teams and will be involved in practices and community events. The regular season is slated to end Sept. 14, with the playoffs beginning four days later.

A Bumper Crop

This year's rookie draft class should have a much larger impact than their 2007 predecessors. Two-time NCAA champ Candace Parker of Tennessee was chosen first overall by Los Angeles. Look for Parker, who will team up with the returning Lisa Leslie, to immediately become one of the game's elite players.

LSU’s Sylvia Fowles was chosen by Chicago with the second pick. The 6-foot-6 center should make the improving Sky one of the teams to watch in the Eastern Conference. Minnesota snapped up Wade Trophy winner Candice Wiggins of Stanford in the third slot. Alexis Hornbuckle and Matee Ajavon went to Detroit and Houston to round out the top five.

A Slew of Seattle Moves

No team was more active during the offseason than the Seattle Storm. Most importantly, the franchise received new ownership in January, which ensures it will remain in the Emerald City. In addition, Brian Agler replaced longtime coach Anne Donavan, and the Storm acquired stars Cheryl Swoopes, Yolanda Griffith and Swin Cash.

Coaching Changes

Along with Seattle, three other teams changed head coaches: Corey Gaines replaces Paul Westhead at the helm of the defending champion Phoenix Mercury; Linn Dunn will direct the Indiana Fever following Brian Winters' tenure and Steven Key is the Chicago Sky's third coach in three seasons, taking over for Bo Overton.

Trading Places

The Fever and Sun swapped veteran stars with guard Katie Douglas going to Indiana for forward Tamika Whitmore. The reloaded Sparks acquired DeLisha Milton-Jones from Washington with the Mystics receiving Taj McWilliams-Franklin and a draft pick in return. Detroit capped another busy offseason by sending Swin Cash to Seattle for the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, which they used on Tennessee's Alexis Hornbuckle.