WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the premier professional women's basketball league in the United States. Founded in 1996 by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and beginning play in 1997 with eight teams, the league has since expanded to twelve. Teams include the Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics.

The league is owned and operated by the NBA and functions as a separate entity with its own season schedule and governance.

Season play runs in spring and summer, followed by a postseason of best-of-five series culminating in the WNBA Finals. The Houston Comets won the first four championships (1997–2000).

Players come from around the world, and many participate in overseas leagues during the off-season. Notable players include Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Breanna Stewart.

Games are broadcast on ESPN networks and through other platforms with ongoing digital and social media coverage. The league maintains partnerships with sponsors and local markets.

The WNBA has played a prominent role in advancing women's professional sport in the United States, supporting player advocacy, youth development, and efforts toward greater pay and resource equity.