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Women's National Basketball Association

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Article Genealogy
Parent: University of Connecticut Hop 4
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Women's National Basketball Association
Women's National Basketball Association
source
Current season2024 WNBA season
SportBasketball
Founded22 April 1996
Inaugural1997
CommissionerCathy Engelbert
Teams12
ChampionLas Vegas Aces (3rd title)
Most champsHouston Comets (4), Minnesota Lynx (4), Seattle Storm (4)
TvESPN, ABC, CBS, Ion Television, NBA TV
Related compsWNBA Finals
FounderNational Basketball Association

Women's National Basketball Association. The Women's National Basketball Association is a premier professional basketball league in North America, composed of twelve teams. Established by the National Basketball Association on April 22, 1996, the league began play with its inaugural 1997 season. It has grown into the most successful women's professional sports league in the United States, showcasing elite talent and driving the growth of the sport globally.

History

The league's creation was announced by then-NBA Commissioner David Stern, with the backing of the NBA Board of Governors, as a counterpart to the established men's league. The inaugural season in 1997 featured eight teams, including the historic Houston Comets, who won the first four WNBA Finals championships led by stars like Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes. Key early milestones included the launch of the WNBA Draft and the absorption of players from the rival American Basketball League after its 1998 dissolution. Expansion and relocation have shaped the league, with franchises like the Utah Starzz moving to become the San Antonio Silver Stars (now Las Vegas Aces) and the Detroit Shock relocating to become the Dallas Wings. The 2020 WNBA season, played in a "wubble" at IMG Academy in Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a notable moment for its emphasis on social justice advocacy.

Teams

The league currently fields twelve teams across the United States. The Eastern Conference includes the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics. The Western Conference comprises the Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm. Notable defunct franchises include the original Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, Miami Sol, Portland Fire, and Sacramento Monarchs. Each team is independently owned or operated, with several, like the Indiana Fever, having direct ownership ties to their NBA counterparts such as the Indiana Pacers.

Season structure

The regular season typically runs from May to September, with each team playing a 40-game schedule. The season culminates in the WNBA playoffs, which feature a format of best-of-three series in the first two rounds and a best-of-five series in the WNBA Finals. The annual mid-season showcase is the WNBA All-Star Game, which features fan-voted starters and coach-selected reserves. Other key events include the WNBA draft, held each spring, and preseason competitions like the Commissioner's Cup, a tournament played during the first half of the regular season.

Players and personnel

The league attracts top talent from NCAA Division I programs and international leagues. Iconic players have defined eras, including Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks, Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury, and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm. Current stars like A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty continue to elevate the game. The Women's National Basketball Players Association represents player interests. Coaching luminaries such as Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx and Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces have led teams to championships. Officiating is overseen by crews that also work in the NBA and other professional leagues.

League operations and business

The league is headquartered in New York City and led by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, former CEO of Deloitte. Major broadcast partners include The Walt Disney Company networks (ESPN, ABC) and CBS Sports, with games also airing on Ion Television and NBA TV. Key corporate partners have included AT&T, Delaware North, and Google. The collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association governs player salaries, free agency, and benefits. Expansion is a ongoing topic, with potential markets like Toronto, Philadelphia, and Denver frequently discussed.

Impact and cultural significance

The league has been instrumental in advancing women's sports, providing visible role models and advocating for gender equity in athletics. Its players have been prominent activists, notably during the 2020 WNBA season in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and for LGBTQ+ rights. The success of stars like Candace Parker and Maya Moore has increased media coverage and inspired initiatives like NBA Cares parallel programs. The WNBA has influenced global basketball, with many players competing in off-season leagues like EuroLeague Women and representing their national teams in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and Olympic Games. Its growth reflects broader trends in the popularity of women's professional sports.