Lisa Leslie entered a brand-new league in 1997 and became part of its defining moments from day one. 

Leslie entered the WNBA after being selected 7th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the inaugural WNBA Draft in 1997. She took the floor in the WNBA’s inaugural game on June 21, 1997, as the Los Angeles Sparks faced the New York Liberty. 

Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks goes for a dunk against the Orlando Miracle on May 22, 2001

 In 2001, Leslie emerged as one of the league’s defining forces, earning MVP honors and leading the Sparks to their first WNBA championship. The following year she delivered a moment that changed the game, becoming the first player in WNBA history to dunk. The Sparks built on that history, as Leslie went on to win back‑to‑back championships in 2001 and 2002 and two WNBA Finals MVPs. As her career progressed, she continued to establish her legacy, becoming the first player in league history to surpass 3,000, 4,000, and 6,000 career points.  

When Lisa Leslie retired in 2009, she left the game as the WNBA’s All-Time leader in both points and rebounds, and a pioneer whose 11-year career helped shape the league from day one.