15 WNBA Moments That Changed the Game Forever
The WNBA has packed nearly three decades with moments that reshaped basketball and sparked wider cultural shifts. These highlights are a timeline of gutsy calls and moments that sparked something bigger than sports.
Let’s see how these events define why the league matters and how its impact keeps growing.
Sheryl Swoopes Signs First WNBA Contract
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Months before the first season, Sheryl Swoopes became the league’s first official player. Considering that she’s a proven NCAA champion and Olympic gold medalist, she brought instant credibility. Her return to competition shortly after giving birth showed that the dual demands of sport and parenthood could coexist and thrive.
The Inaugural Game Launches a New Era
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On June 21, 1997, the Liberty faced the Sparks before a packed Forum and national broadcast. Lisa Leslie and Rebecca Lobo anchored the action as Penny Toler scored the first basket. That night confirmed that professional women’s basketball could draw serious crowds and attention.
Lisa Leslie Throws Down First Dunk
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Lisa Leslie stunned opponents and spectators in July 2002 by slamming home the first dunk in league history. It was a clear marker that skill sets were expanding. That single play became a touchstone for athleticism and permanently changed expectations.
Houston Comets Build an Unmatched Dynasty
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Between 1997 and 2000, the Houston Comets captured four consecutive titles. Cynthia Cooper, Tina Thompson, and Sheryl Swoopes created a level of dominance that remains unmatched. The Comets built a dynasty before most franchises had furniture.
Teresa Weatherspoon Hits Legendary Shot
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In Game 2 of the 1999 Finals, Teresa Weatherspoon launched a desperation heave from beyond half court with 2.4 seconds left. It dropped cleanly through the net, shocked the Comets, and prolonged the series. The play stands as one of the most improbable and celebrated finishes in league history.
The First WNBA All-Star Game Thrills Fans
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The first WNBA All-Star Game in 1999 wasn’t underhyped. Madison Square Garden was packed. Whitney Houston’s anthem gave goosebumps. And the players delivered on the hype. For fans, it was a reminder that the league could command prime venues and big attention.
The Hamby Heave Electrifies Playoffs
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In 2019, Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby intercepted a pass with seconds remaining and instantly launched a deep shot. It dropped while sealing a one-point win over Chicago. Her audacious decision, taken under pressure, showed how razor-thin margins and bold instincts shape postseason drama.
Maya Moore Steps Away for Justice
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At her peak, Maya Moore paused her career to focus on overturning a wrongful conviction. Her advocacy led to Jonathan Irons’ release in 2020. After years of effort, he walked free in 2020. That kind of move didn’t fit into traditional stats, but it redefined player influence in real time.
Nneka Ogwumike Secures Title with Grit
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In the final seconds of Game 5 of the 2016 Finals, Nneka Ogwumike battled for two offensive rebounds before sinking the winning shot. Her persistence delivered the Sparks a championship and demonstrated how resilience and presence in critical moments often define legacies in this league.
Seattle Storm Triumph in the Wubble
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The 2020 season, held in a pandemic-controlled environment, challenged players mentally and physically. The Storm dominated from start to finish, with Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird leading the charge. Their title run also symbolized the league’s commitment to social causes.
Diana Taurasi Becomes All-Time Scoring Leader
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Diana Taurasi became the league’s all-time scoring leader in June 2017. Her style was direct, unapologetic, and always looking for the rim. The record didn’t surprise anyone watching closely.
Brittney Griner Returns After Detainment
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May 19, 2023, wasn’t about the scoreboard. Brittney Griner returned to the court after nearly 10 months detained in Russia. The crowd reaction and the emotion were sports intersecting with life in ways you can’t script. Her presence alone was the story that night.
Say Her Name Movement in 2020
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Players dedicated their season to Breonna Taylor and other victims of injustice by wearing her name and using media appearances to demand accountability. This was part of a sustained campaign that made clear the league’s commitment to social justice and amplified the voices of those often ignored.
WNBA Expansion Reaches Toronto
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In 2024, the league announced its first international franchise in Toronto. The news symbolized ambition and growth and hinted at a future where WNBA influence would stretch far beyond the United States.
Collective Bargaining Sparks New Standards
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When the 2020 collective bargaining agreement landed, it changed the math. Better pay, upgraded travel, and family support were non-negotiable wins. The deal reflected how modern players see their value.