A league is born (1996–1997)
On April 24, 1996, the NBA’s Board of Governors approved the concept of a new women’s professional league, and women’s basketball unveiled a bold tagline: “We Got Next.” The plan was to launch the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) the following summer.
The WNBA began play in June 1997 with eight teams:
Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starz.
The first champions—and the league’s early identity
The WNBA’s first season ended with the Houston Comets defeating the New York Liberty to win the inaugural championship, setting the tone for early greatness and creating the league’s first enduring dynasty story.
Those early years weren’t just about a trophy—they were about legitimacy. The WNBA quickly became a top destination for elite talent and helped turn women’s basketball stars into nationally recognized names.
Leadership evolves: the Commissioner era (2019)
A major turning point came in 2019 when Cathy Engelbert was appointed the WNBA’s first executive with the title “Commissioner” (previous leaders had been titled “President”). She officially joined the league on July 17, 2019.
The modern boom and expansion wave (2024–2026)
By the mid-2020s, the WNBA’s popularity and business momentum helped push the league into a new growth phase—highlighted by expansion:
- The Golden State Valkyries entered as a new franchise (often described as the league’s newest expansion team).
- The league has also announced additional expansion teams, including Toronto and Portland beginning play in 2026.
At the same time, the WNBA’s growth has put a spotlight on issues like pay structure, benefits, and how revenue should be shared—topics that show up prominently in ongoing collective bargaining conversations.
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