The California Storm Basketball Club was founded in 1997 and since 1998 has been one of just 32 elite Nike- sponsored club basketball programs in the United States. In 2009, California Storm became the first girls' basketball club to be affiliated with a professional athlete, as the Storm's most elite travel team became Team Taurasi, sponsored by WNBA All-Star & U.S. Olympian Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury. California Storm and Team Taurasi players wear signature Nike apparel specifically designed by Nike and approved by Diana.