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.

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: 2022 | 2021 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 20162015 | 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 up 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: 2022 |2021 | 2019 | 201820172015


 

WNBA DRAFT

Rhyne Howard of Kentucky was selected by the Atlanta Dream as the first overall pick of the 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: 2022 |2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 20172016 | 20152014 | 20132012 | 20112010 | 20092008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

League Info: All-Time Draft PicksPast 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: 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 20182017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 20102009 | 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 were able to vote for a WNBA GOAT from the list and Diana Taurasi received the honor.

News: The W25WNBA 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