How the WNBA went from survival mode to a billion-dollar future
As the WNBA celebrates it 30th anniversary, the once-fledgling league has evolved from its 1997 launch into a global fixture in women’s sports. The WNBA is a thriving league backed by record attendance, rising salaries and unprecedented media attention. That foundation was built by trailblazers like Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Rebecca Lobo and Lisa Leslie, whose elite talent and credibility legitimized the league.
The league was carried forward by other icons such as Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings, who elevated the standard of excellence. Today’s stars, like Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, are pushing the game to new heights. Still, they stand on the shoulders of generations who fought for investment, respect and opportunity.
"I knew that we had to lay a solid foundation in order for the WNBA and little girls to be able to dream of playing professional basketball, and now, we’re here," said Cooper, who helped the Houston Comets win the first four league titles. "To see the talented athletes like the A’ja Wilson’s and the Caitlin Clark’s and the Angel Reese’s, and now the new talent coming in, with (Lauren) Betts coming in and Azzi Fudd — it’s just growing and growing, and I can’t stand myself.
"I’m like, 'Yes, I was a part of this right from the beginning,' and to see it flourish and the new CBA agreement, I’m just over the moon. I’m super excited, not just for 30 years of (the) WNBA, but the next 30 years. The next 30 years is what I’m super excited about.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/06/21/wnba-evolution-30-years-of-growth-stars-historic-cba-deal/90543399007/