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 best women’s basketball talent in the world. With the league having completed its 21st season, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.
Jump to: Champions | All Star | Draft | Awards | WNBA20 Video Vault
CHAMPIONS
The Minnesota Lynx capped a thrilling season with victory in a winner-take-all Game 5 against the Ls Angeles Sparks. They joined the Houston Comets as the only franchises with four WNBA titles. Regular season MVP Sylvia Fowles also earned Finals MVP honors.
More: All-Time WNBA Champions
Playoffs: 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
WNBA ALL-STAR
For the second straight All-Star Game, Maya Moore earned MVP with a spectacular performance. The Minnesota Lynx star led the West in scoring with 23 points, leading her team to a 130-121 victory over the East.
More: Past All-Star Game Results
WNBA DRAFT
The San Antonio Stars landed the No. 1 pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, adding standout University of Washington guard Kelsey Plum to the fold with the top selection.
Team History: Atlanta | Chicago | Connecticut | Dallas | Indiana | Los Angeles | Minnesota | New York | Phoenix | Seattle | San Antonio | Washington
Drafts: 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 | Past No. 1 Picks Gallery
SEASON AWARDS
Behind Sylvia Fowles, the Minnesota Lynx went 27-7 and earned the No. 1 seed in the 2017 WNBA Playoffs. A four-time WNBA All-Star and three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Fowles ranked fifth in the WNBA in scoring (18.9 ppg), second in rebounding (10.4 rpg) and tied for second in blocked shots (1.97 bpg) in 2017.
Awards Hub: 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997
History: Awards History | Past WNBA Player of the Week awards
WNBA20 VIDEO VAULT
Relive the rich history of the WNBA following its landmark 20th season, from the classic games and plays to the iconic players on and off the court. Launch Video Vault
MORE
For 20 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