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 30th season in 2026, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.

CHAMPIONS

The Las Vegas Aces won their third WNBA Championship after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in four games. A’ja Wilson was named Finals MVP for the second time in her career, 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.0 assiststhrough the 2025 Finals.

More: All-Time WNBA Champions

Playoffs: 2025 |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

Napheesa Collier entered AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 with her fifth All-Star nod and won Most Valuable Player with an All-Star record 36 points, leading Team Collier to victory over Team Clark (151-131).

More: Past All-Star Game Results

Recent All-Star Hubs: 2025| 2024 |2023 | 2022 |2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2015

WNBA DRAFT

The Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers of UConn as the first overall pick of the WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm.

Team History: Atlanta | Chicago | Connecticut | Dallas | Golden State | Indiana | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Minnesota | New York | Phoenix | Seattle | Washington

Drafts: 2025 | 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 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She finished first in scoring (23.4 PPG) and first in rebounding (12.6 RPG) during the regular season. This is the fourth WNBA Most Valuable Award for Wilson (2025, 2024, 2022, 2020.)

Awards Hub: 2025| 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