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. As the league celebrated its 26th season in 2022, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.
Jump to: Champions | All Star | Draft | Awards | W25
CHAMPIONS
The Las Vegas Aces won their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Connecticut Sun in four games. Chelsea Gray was named Finals MVP for the first time in her career, averaging 18.3 points and 6 assists through the Playoffs.
More: All-Time WNBA Champions
Playoffs: 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
Kelsey Plum entered the weekend as a first-time All-Star and ended winning Most Valuable Player for Team Wilson. Plum dropped 30 points to lead Team Wilson to victory over Team Stewart, 134-112.
More: Past All-Star Game Results
Recent All-Star Hubs: 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2015
WNBA DRAFT
Rhyne Howard of Kentucky was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the first overall pick of WNBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm.
Team History: Atlanta | Chicago | Connecticut | Dallas | Indiana | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Minnesota | New York | Phoenix | Seattle | Washington
Drafts: 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 | Past No. 1 Picks Gallery
SEASON AWARDS
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson was named the 2022 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She led the league in double-doubles (7), finished second in rebounding (9.4 RPG) and fifth in scoring (19.5 PPG). This is the second WNBA Most Valuable Award for Wilson, who was the 2020 MVP and also won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Awards Hub: 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 | Past WNBA Player of the Week awards
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 were able to vote for a WNBA GOAT from the list and Diana Taurasi received the honor.
News: The W25, WNBA GOAT
Galleries: The W25 Ceremony, W25 Custom Jackets, The GOAT: Diana Taurasi
Video: The W25 Recap, W25 Custom Jackets
MORE
For 26 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