10 Iconic Moments in WNBA History Every Fan Should Know

The WNBA has been making history since its launch in 1997.

Over the past 29 years, the league has evolved—on the court, where skills have reached new heights, and off the court, where players have led the charge for social change. Today, it stands as the longest-running women’s professional sports league, proving that women’s basketball is here to stay.

Whether you’ve been a fan since day one or you’re just getting into the game, these 10 moments helped shape the WNBA we know and love.

1. The Inaugural Game (1997)

June 21, 1997: The New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks made history in the league’s inaugural matchup. Lisa Leslie and Rebecca Lobo faced off, and the Liberty secured the first WNBA win, 67–57.

The moment was a cultural shift. A crowd of 14,284 at the Great Western Forum and a national TV audience on NBC witnessed the birth of a professional women’s basketball league backed by the NBA.

The WNBA had officially arrived.

2. Sheryl Swoopes Becomes the First WNBA Player Signed (1996)

Months before the first season tipped off, the league made a statement by signing Sheryl Swoopes as its first official player. A NCAA champion, Naismith College Player of the Year, and Olympic gold medalist, Swoopes brought instant star power.

What made her signing even more remarkable? She gave birth to her son, Jordan, just weeks before the season began. She returned to the court later that summer, proving that motherhood and elite athleticism could coexist.

3. Lisa Leslie’s Historic Dunk (2002)

July 30, 2002: Lisa Leslie took off in transition and threw down the first dunk in WNBA history. It was a single moment that electrified the league and forced skeptics to rethink their outdated views on women’s basketball.

For years, people doubted whether a dunk would happen in the WNBA. Leslie proved them wrong and opened the door for the explosive athletes that would come after her, like Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.

4. The Houston Comets’ Four-Peat Dynasty (1997–2000)

The Houston Comets were the first dynasty in WNBA history and one of the most dominant teams in any sport. Led by Cynthia Cooper, Tina Thompson, and Sheryl Swoopes, they won the first four championships.

Cooper, who had spent most of her career playing overseas, became the WNBA’s first true superstar, winning Finals MVP all four years. The Comets' four-year championship run is a feat still unmatched.

5. Diana Taurasi Breaks the WNBA All-Time Scoring Record (2017)

June 18, 2017: Diana Taurasi passed Tina Thompson to become the league’s all-time leading scorer, a record she continues to hold.

Taurasi’s milestone was about relentless dominance. She redefined what it means to be a franchise cornerstone. And she went on to become the first player to score 10,000 points (retiring ahead of the 2025 season with 10,646).

6. The First WNBA Pride Game (2014)

The WNBA has always been a leader in inclusivity, and in 2014, it became the first professional sports league to officially celebrate Pride with a league-wide initiative.

The Seattle Storm hosted the inaugural Pride Game, but the movement quickly spread across the league. Rather than just performative act, the WNBA’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community was, and remains, a reflection of its players, fans, and core values.

Today, Pride Month celebrations are a staple in the league, reinforcing its commitment to representation.

7. Maya Moore Leaves Basketball to Fight for Justice (2019–2021)

In her prime, Maya Moore was one of the most dominant players the game had ever seen. A four-time WNBA champion, former MVP, and Olympic gold medalist, she was at the peak of her career when she shocked the world by stepping away from basketball.

Her reason? To fight for criminal justice reform. Moore dedicated herself to the case of Jonathan Irons, a man who had been wrongfully convicted at 18-years of age. After years of advocacy, her efforts led to his release in 2020.

Few athletes have ever sacrificed as much for a cause as Moore did. Her legacy extends far beyond her championships.

8. The Seattle Storm’s 2020 Championship Run in the "Wubble"

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the WNBA into a bubble—or "Wubble"—at the IMG Academy in Florida. The season was unlike any other, with no fans in the stands, strict health protocols, and players living in isolation.

But that didn’t stop the Seattle Storm from dominating. Led by Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird, they went 18-4 in the regular season and swept the playoffs to win their fourth title.

Off the court, WNBA players dedicated the season to social justice. The 2020 season reflected the league’s impact beyond basketball.

9. Brittney Griner’s Return (2023)

May 19, 2023: After nearly 10 months of wrongful detainment in Russia, Brittney Griner made her emotional return to the WNBA, stepping back onto the court for the Phoenix Mercury.

Her first game back was a global story of resilience, perseverance, and the power of sports to unite. Fans, teammates, and even opposing players embraced her return, showing just how deeply the basketball community had rallied around her.

10. The WNBA Expands to Toronto (2024)

After years of calls for expansion, the WNBA finally announced that its 14th franchise will be in Toronto, Canada—the league’s first international team.

This moment marked a turning point for the WNBA, signaling a new era of global growth. Toronto has already proven its love for basketball, selling out previous WNBA preseason games in record time.

And with more expansion teams on the horizon, this is just the beginning.

Final Buzzer: What’s Next?

The WNBA’s story is still being written, and these 10 moments are just a glimpse of its journey so far.

Which moment stands out most to you? Drop a comment and let us know! ⤵️