From Start to Stardom: How the WNBA Was Founded

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) stands today as the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world. But its journey from concept to reality is a story of vision, perseverance, and passion for equality in sports. This article takes you back to the origins of the WNBA, exploring how it began, the challenges it faced, and how it evolved into a powerful symbol of athletic excellence and empowerment.

The Spark Behind the Idea

The early 1990s marked a significant period of growth for women's sports, especially after the U.S. women’s basketball team won the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. With basketball booming globally and women’s basketball drawing unprecedented interest, the NBA saw a unique opportunity to capitalize on this momentum. NBA Commissioner David Stern was instrumental in championing the idea of a women’s league that would parallel the NBA’s prestige and visibility.

Up to that point, there had been attempts at professional women’s basketball in the U.S.—such as the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) and the American Basketball League (ABL)—but none had sustained long-term success. What the WNBA offered was something new: the backing of an established, global sports brand.

The Official Launch

On April 24, 1996, the NBA officially approved the creation of the WNBA. The announcement included the league’s name, logo, and a bold slogan: “We Got Next.” It was a clear statement that women’s basketball had arrived, and it was here to stay. The WNBA was structured to begin with eight teams, many of which were placed in cities with strong NBA fan bases to ensure shared marketing and support systems.

The inaugural season tipped off on June 21, 1997, with a game between the New York Liberty and the Los Angeles Sparks. That first season would become a cultural milestone—not just for women’s basketball, but for American sports. Houston Comets star Cynthia Cooper quickly emerged as a dominant force, leading her team to the league’s first championship and winning MVP honors.

Building the Foundation

The early years of the WNBA were marked by both rapid growth and substantial hurdles. On the one hand, the league was immediately embraced by fans hungry for high-quality women's sports. On the other, it faced skepticism from critics who doubted whether a women’s league could be profitable or sustainable long-term.

Despite these doubts, the league continued to build momentum. The Houston Comets dynasty, led by Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, brought consistent excitement and media attention. Meanwhile, the league began expanding into new cities, adding teams like the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, and Indiana Fever.

Key Milestones in Growth

Over the years, the WNBA achieved a number of major milestones that solidified its place in the sports world:

• 1999 – The league signed its first collective bargaining agreement (CBA), giving players a voice in shaping their future.
• 2009 – The league celebrated its first-ever All-Star Game in an Olympic year, signaling its increasing popularity.
• 2020 – WNBA players took a strong stance for social justice, becoming leaders in the sports activism movement.
• 2021 – The WNBA celebrated its 25th season with new branding and expanded media partnerships.

The Legacy and the Future

From a modest eight-team experiment to a 12-team powerhouse with global talent and a growing fan base, the WNBA has made an indelible mark on the world of sports. Today, its players are not only elite athletes but also advocates, role models, and cultural icons. The league has embraced streaming, social media, and merchandise branding to connect with a younger, more diverse audience.

With new television deals, expansion discussions, and rising stars entering the league each year, the future looks brighter than ever. What began as a bold idea has become a thriving movement—one that continues to grow, inspire, and break barriers.

Conclusion

The WNBA’s founding was not just the birth of a basketball league—it was the start of a cultural shift. Fueled by pioneers with vision and athletes with heart, the league has grown from a slogan into a global symbol of equality, talent, and excellence. Its story reminds us that when opportunity meets determination, greatness follows.