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 celebrating its 25th season in 2021, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.
Jump to: Champions | All Star | Draft | Awards | W25
CHAMPIONS
The Chicago Sky won their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Phoenix Mercury in four games. Kahleah Copper was named Finals MVP for the first time in her career, with series averages 17 points, 5.5 rebounds and 50% shooting.
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
Arike Ogunbowale started the weekend as a first-time All-Star and ended the weekend winning Most Valuable Player for Team WNBA. Ogunbowale dropped 26 points to lead Team WNBA to victory over Team USA, 93-85.
More: Past All-Star Game Results
Recent All-Star Hubs: 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2015
WNBA DRAFT
Charli Collier of Texas was selected by the Dallas Wings with the first overall pick of WNBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm, which was held virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Connecticut Sun forward Jonquel Jones was named the 2021 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She led the league in rebounding (11.2 RPG) and finished fourth in points (19.4 PPG). This is the first WNBA Most Valuable Award for Jones, who was the 2018 Sixth Player of the Year and the 2017 Most Improved Player. Jones is the only player in WNBA history to win all three awards.
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 25 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