Story perspectives

Trailblazing Women in Basketball: Hall of Fame Honors and League Expansion

9/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Harris, the first woman drafted by an NBA team, was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977 and is the first Black woman in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Ann Meyers signed the first NBA contract for a woman in 1979 but did not make the roster; she is also a Hall of Fame inductee.
Michelle Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to women's sports journalism.
UNCW's McCall King was named the NCAA Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Working Group representative.
The Unrivaled 3x3 league will expand to eight teams for the 2025 season, adding roster spots and new teams.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education, significantly enhancing opportunities for women in sports. This led to milestones like Lusia Harris being drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977 and Ann Meyers signing with the Indiana Pacers in 1979, marking critical advancements in women's professional basketball and highlighting the ongoing struggle for equity in athletics.

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Story summary

Harris, the first woman drafted by an NBA team, was selected by the New Orleans Jazz in 1977 and is the first Black woman in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Ann Meyers signed the first NBA contract for a woman in 1979 but did not make the roster; she is also a Hall of Fame inductee.
Michelle Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to women's sports journalism.
UNCW's McCall King was named the NCAA Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Working Group representative.
The Unrivaled 3x3 league will expand to eight teams for the 2025 season, adding roster spots and new teams.

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