The WNBA Turns 30 This Year

Short N Sweet Ent

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the WNBA Instagram Page

The WNBA turns 30 years old this year and what a wild ride these past 30 years have been. 

Let’s take a look back at the history of the WNBA and all the incredible things to look forward to. After a successful marketing tour and securing the gold, the women’s basketball Olympic 96’ Dream Team proved there was a market for women’s professional basketball stateside. 

The WNBA was founded and launched in 1996 by the NBA. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of USA Basketball Website

The early days of the WNBA were scrappy to say the least but gave hope to young women looking to play hoops professionally without having to leave their home in the U.S. Fast forward to today and the league now holds the record for the biggest jump in CBA salary increases for any sports league, men or women. This is all thanks to the big boom in women’s basketball during the 2023 women’s NCAA title game, the decades of hard work and dedication from previous players and the unwavering belief in the current players to get a historic CBA deal signed that finally favors the players. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the WNBA Instagram Page

Not to mention, the league is expanding fast. The WNBA will welcome 2 new teams this year: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. And at least 3 more teams in the coming years in Cleveland, Philadelphia and Detroit. There is so much to celebrate when it comes to the WNBA and the excitement for what this season has in store for us is limitless.

Written By: Amanda Hoye

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