History (original) (raw)
On April 24, 1996, women’s basketball announced “We Got Next” as the NBA Board of Governors approved the concept of a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to begin play in June 1997. Since then, the WNBA has been the home for the world’s best women’s basketball talent. As the league celebrates its 28th season in 2024, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.
CHAMPIONS
The New York Liberty won their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in five games. Jonquel Jones was named Finals MVP for the first time in her career, averaging 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds through the Finals.
More: All-Time WNBA Champions
Playoffs: 2024 |2023 |2022 |2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
WNBA ALL-STAR
Arike Ogunbowale entered All-Star weekend with her fourth All-Star nod and won Most Valuable Player with an All-Star record 34 points to lead Team WNBA to victory over the USA Women’s National Team, 117-109.
More: Past All-Star Game Results
Recent All-Star Hubs: 2024 |2023 | 2022 |2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2015
WNBA DRAFT
The Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark of Iowa as the first overall pick of the WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm.
Team History: Atlanta | Chicago | Connecticut | Dallas | Indiana | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Minnesota | New York | Phoenix | Seattle | Washington
Drafts: 2024 |2023 |2022 |2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997
League Info: All-Time Draft Picks
SEASON AWARDS
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson was named the 2024 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She finished first in scoring (26.9 PPG) and seconds in rebounding (11.9 RPG) during the regular season. This is the third WNBA Most Valuable Award for Wilson (2022, 2020.)
Awards Hub: 2024 |2023 |2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997
History: Awards History
W25
To celebrate the league’s 25th season in 2021, WNBA unveiled “The W25”, a collection of the 25 greatest and most influential players in WNBA history. Fans could vote for a WNBA GOAT from the list, and Diana Taurasi received the honor.
News: The W25, WNBA GOAT
Video: The W25 Recap, W25 Custom Jackets
MORE
For 27 years, the WNBA has featured the game’s best players and created some of the best moments in women’s basketball history. Take a look back at some of the teams and players that have left their mark on this league.
All-Time Leaders: Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks | Steals | 3-Pointers Made