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 28th season in 2024, take a look back at WNBA’s bright history.

CHAMPIONS

The Las Vegas Aces won their second WNBA Championship after defeating the New York Liberty in four games. A’ja Wilson was named Finals MVP for the first time in her career, averaging 23.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks through the Playoffs.

More: All-Time WNBA Champions

Playoffs: 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

Jewell Loyd entered All-Star weekend earning her fifth All-Star nod and won Most Valuable Player, dropping an All-Star record 31 points to lead Team Stewart to victory over Team Wilson, 143-127.

More: Past All-Star Game Results

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

WNBA DRAFT

The Indiana Fever selected Aliyah Boston of South Carolina as the first overall pick of the WNBA Draft 2023 presented by State Farm.

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

Drafts: 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

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart was named the 2023 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She finished second in scoring (23.0 PPG) and third in rebounding (9.3 RPG). This is the second WNBA Most Valuable Award for Stewart, who was the 2018 MVP.

Awards Hub: 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