The league launched its inaugural season in 1997, with the original 8 WNBA teams strategically located in cities that already hosted NBA franchises. This approach leveraged established basketball infrastructures, fan support, and marketing networks. This provided a strong start, but it was the rise of extraordinary athletes and their performances that propelled the league’s growth. However, over time financial challenges and fluctuating fan engagement led to the rebranding or relocation of many of the original eight teams, highlighting the league’s evolving landscape.
1. The Los Angeles Sparks (1997-Present)
Los Angeles, one of the largest and most influential media markets in the United States already had a vibrant basketball culture, fueled by the presence of the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers. This made the city an ideal location for launching one of the WNBA’s original 8 teams. Its strong foundation has allowed it to remain one of the few cities still home to an original franchise.
What star power helped to ignite the LA Sparks? Lisa Leslie, one of the most iconic figures in WNBA history. She played for 12 seasons and spent her entire career with the Sparks. Not only did she win 3 WNBA MVPs and help the Sparks get to 2 championships but she was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game in 2002! Her impact on and off the court helped shape the league’s identity.
Later in 2008, Candace Parker continued the tradition of star-studded rosters and made an immediate impact. She became the only player in league history to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable(MVP) honors in the same season. She was also the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and the second player to dunk in a WNBA game, showcasing her athleticism.
While attendance across the WNBA has fluctuated, the Sparks have generally remained near the top in terms of fan turnout. In recent years, the league as a whole has seen a resurgence in attendance. In 2024, the Sparks showed a 69% increase compared to the previous season as reported by CNBC.
2. The New York Liberty (1997-Present)
NY Liberty experienced a fluctuating attendance trajectory since the league’s inception. In the early years, the Liberty benefited from a strong fan base and played their home games at Madison Square Garden (MSG), a premier venue that attracted large crowds. They also had their star power from the Olympic gold medalist, Rebecca Lobo and fan favorite, Teresa Weatherspoon. Lobo played in the WNBA for 6 seasons with most of her career at NY and helped to popularize the WNBA. Weatherspoon also played the majority of her career with New York where she became one of the league’s most recognizable stars and had an iconic full-court buzzer-beater in the 1999 WNBA Finals.
Over the years, however, attendance trends shifted with team performance and logistical changes. From 2011 to 2013, the Liberty temporarily relocated to the Prudential Center in New Jersey due to MSG renovations, which caused a dip in attendance as fans adjusted to the new location. Upon their return to MSG in 2014, attendance began to stabilize but remained tied to the team’s success on the court and effective marketing strategies.
More recently, the team’s relocation to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the addition of superstars like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu have revitalized interest. The Liberty consistently draw significant crowds, as seen in their sellout games during the 2024 WNBA Finals.
3. Phoenix Mercury (1997-Present)
Phoenix Mercury was established as a sister team to the Phoenix Suns where they created a dedicated fan base. Pivotal players for Mercury in the early years were Michele Timms and Jennifer Gillom who were celebrated for different reasons, leading to their unique popularity.
Michele Timms, an Australian basketball icon, brought an international flair to the league. She finished her WNBA career as the Mercury’s all-time leader in assists and steals. Her contributions earned her significant recognition, including having her jersey retired by the team—the second in WNBA history.
Jennifer Gillom, nicknamed “Grandmama,” was beloved for her scoring ability and strong presence on the court. She was an inaugural member of the Mercury and a standout performer during the franchise’s early days, earning the WNBA’s 1997 All-Star MVP and numerous accolades. Her offensive prowess and approachable demeanor resonated deeply with fans.
Today the Mercury have been a highly successful team, with multiple WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014) and one of the league’s greatest players, Diana Taurasi, further cementing their relevance and legacy.
4. Houston Comets (1997-2008)
Houston Comets were a powerhouse in the early days of the WNBA and played a huge role in shaping the league’s success. They set the gold standard by winning the first 4 consecutive WNBA championships from 1997 to 2000, thanks to their incredible “Big Three” lineup that dominated the court.
- Cynthia Cooper was the team’s heart and soul, famous for her clutch scoring and leadership. She snagged the WNBA Finals MVP title in all four championship seasons and was a back-to-back league MVP in 1997 and 1998.
- Sheryl Swoopes, often called the “female Michael Jordan,” was the league’s first-ever signed player. She was a dominant force on both ends of the court, earning multiple MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- Tina Thompson, the league’s first-ever draft pick, brought versatility, toughness, and a signature style (who could forget her red lipstick?) to the team while being a top scorer.
After their championship run, the team faced challenges. Financial troubles led to a change in ownership in 2003, and as their star players moved on or retired, the Comets struggled to keep their dominance. By 2008, after multiple ownership changes and declining attendance, the WNBA announced the team would cease operations.
Despite this, the Houston Comets are still celebrated today as one of the greatest teams in WNBA history.
5. Charlotte Sting (1997-2007)
The WNBA Sting operated as a sister team to the Charlotte Hornets, initially benefiting from shared resources, facilities, and marketing to help grow a fan base in North Carolina. In their early years, the Sting was anchored by standout players like Andrea Stinson and Dawn Staley, who became the heart of the franchise.
Stinson, known as “Stint,” was an explosive scorer and versatile guard-forward who embodied consistency. Her dynamic playing style made her a fan favorite and a cornerstone for the team during its formative years.
Dawn Staley, a basketball legend and Hall of Famer, brought a high basketball IQ and court vision that elevated the Sting’s performance. As the team’s primary playmaker, she became a critical figure in their success, leading them to the WNBA Finals in 2001, where they fell to the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sting reached their peak with their 2001 Finals appearance but struggled with consistency and ownership challenges in later years. When the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002, it negatively impacted the WNBA’s Sting since they lost the shared ownership and resources. Despite attempts to stabilize the team under new ownership, the franchise was forced to retire in 2007.
6. Sacramento Monarchs (1997-2009)
The Sacramento Monarchs were a highly respected and competitive WNBA team during their time in the league, reaching the playoffs multiple times and winning the 2005 WNBA Championship. Although their fan base wasn’t as large as teams in bigger markets like Los Angeles or New York, the Monarchs still garnered significant popularity.
In their early years, Ruthie Bolton, a skilled shooting guard and two-time All-Star, was a standout player. However, the team didn’t have a clear superstar until Yolanda Griffith and Ticha Penicheiro joined in later seasons. Griffith, a dominant center, earned MVP honors in 1999 and was named Finals MVP in 2005 for her role in securing the team’s championship. Penicheiro, known for her exceptional passing and court vision, became one of the league’s premier point guards. Despite their success, financial struggles ultimately led to the Monarchs folding in 2009.
7. Cleveland Rockers (1997-2003)
The Rockers were named as a nod to Cleveland’s status as the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The team experienced some competitive success, including a playoff appearance in their first season and an Eastern Conference title in 1998.
Key players like Eva Nemcova, Suzie McConnell-Serio, and Merlakia Jones made significant impacts for the Cleveland Rockers. Nemcova was known for her precision shooting, McConnell-Serio was named Newcomer of the Year in 1998 for her playmaking and leadership, and Jones stood out as the team’s only All-Star in later seasons. Additionally, basketball legend Lynette Woodard, famous for being the first woman to play with the Harlem Globetrotters, brought invaluable experience and recognition to the team.
Despite their efforts on the court, declining attendance and financial challenges led to the franchise dissolving after the 2003 season.
8. Utah Stars (1997-2002)
As a smaller-market team based in Salt Lake City, the Starzz struggled to draw large crowds and media attention compared to WNBA teams in bigger cities. The team featured talented players like Natalie Williams, a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and Margo Dydek, the tallest player in WNBA history at 7’2” known for her shot-blocking. However, the team never built a dominant or star-studded roster that captured nationwide attention.
Due to financial difficulties and lower-than-expected attendance, the Utah Starzz were relocated to San Antonio in 2002 where the team was rebranded as the San Antonio Silver Stars. Despite early enthusiasm and success, including reaching the WNBA Finals in 2008, the team faced declining attendance and financial challenges in later years.
In 2017, the franchise was sold and relocated again, becoming the Las Vegas Aces, which is now one of the most popular and dominant teams in the WNBA today. The Aces captured their first championship in 2022, led by a powerhouse roster featuring stars like A’ja Wilson.
