How the WNBA went from survival mode to a billion-dollar future
The WNBA has evolved from its 1997 launch into a global fixture in women's sports. After years of economic uncertainty and a near-existential crisis during the 2020 pandemic, the league is now experiencing a revenue and attendance boom. This growth is currently driven by the impact of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
What changed
The league celebrated its 30th anniversary with a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty on June 21, 2026.
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WNBA Marks 30th Anniversary as League Shifts from Survival to Growth
confidence 90%The WNBA has evolved from its 1997 launch into a global fixture in women's sports. After years of economic uncertainty and a near-existential crisis during the 2020 pandemic, the league is now experiencing a revenue and attendance boom. This growth is currently driven by the impact of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
What's confirmed:
- The WNBA launched in 1997.
- Nneka Ogwumike scored a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Los Angeles Sparks a 98-97 win over the New York Liberty at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty played in the WNBA's 30th anniversary game on June 21, 2026.
- Nneka Ogwumike won the league MVP in 2016.
Still unconfirmed:
- The league faced an existential moment in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.