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WNBA Celebrates Growth Since Inaugural Game in 1997

10/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded in April 1996 by the NBA.
On June 21, 1997, the inaugural game featured the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks, drawing over 14,000 fans.
The WNBA expanded with Detroit Shock and Minnesota Lynx, later gaining visibility in the 2010s and reaching a mainstream breakthrough in the 2020s with 13 active teams.

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Story summary

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded in April 1996 by the NBA.
On June 21, 1997, the inaugural game featured the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks, drawing over 14,000 fans.
The WNBA expanded with Detroit Shock and Minnesota Lynx, later gaining visibility in the 2010s and reaching a mainstream breakthrough in the 2020s with 13 active teams.