Live chat with the Storm's Brian Agler and Karen Bryant

Coach Brian Agler and general manager Karen Bryant talked about talking to President Obama, and whether the NBA will return to Seattle in a live chat Wednesday. Here are the highlights:

Q: How long are Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson under contract?

Agler: Sue and Lauren are under contract through 2011, and we anticipate them extending their contracts at some point during the coming year. We hope and anticipate that they'll finish their careers here in Seattle. We feel like with those two players, we'll always have a chance to be competitive.

Q: What is your biggest challenge this offseason?

Agler: On the basketball side, our priorities are to keep our team intact from last year, which means re-signing two of our free agents, and then trying to get a grasp on the immediate future of Svetlana Abrosimova and Jana Vesela because they have national-team obligations next June and July.

Q: Karen, what does it feel like to be a multiple WNBA champion?

Bryant: You never get tired of winning championships, and I have (lots of) fingers left.

Agler: Our players will be receiving an e-mail on Jan. 1 stating that the celebration is now over and we're full speed ahead for 2011. The journey begins anew.

Q: What was it like talking to the president?

Bryant: Surreal. You can't imagine an occasion for which you would receive a call from the White House. ... He was so gracious and very knowledgeable. Dawn Trudeau and her family were in the room, as well as Lisa Brummel. It was a really proud moment. He has an unmistakable voice.

Q: Any thoughts on the potential of an NBA franchise coming back to Seattle?

Bryant: I have witnessed firsthand what a great basketball city Seattle is. I hope that the right group of business, civic and community leaders comes together to someday return the NBA to Seattle.

Q: Were you surprised at the number of Storm fans who traveled to Phoenix and Atlanta during the playoffs?

Agler: It was unbelievable the support we had both in Phoenix and Atlanta during the playoffs. There's no question that it motivated our players because they were commenting about the noise that our fans were making before the games in the locker room. ... The whole league took notice of the green and gold that was in the stands at road games in the playoffs.

Q: Has there been a huge increase in season tickets with the championship?

Bryant: Thank you for your support! You are among hundreds of people who have purchased new season tickets for the 2011 season. ... I'm thrilled to report we have a 250 percent increase in new season tickets versus this time last year.

Q: Brian, do you think you would ever coach in the NBA?

Agler: That's a tough question. I guess I'm a coach and I feel like I have a few years left. Coaching at a high level is always motivating, but I'll say that I really like what we have going on here in Seattle. I'd like to see this through and keep playing a part in building this team and franchise.

Bryant: He's not available.