WNBA marks 30th anniversary of its first games

“You think about history books and those historical moments. This will go into a history book.” On the 30th anniversary of the first game, USA TODAY explores how the WNBA transformed into a billion-dollar enterprise. This is 30.

I watched the first WNBA game as a basketball-loving closeted teen lesbian in the rural south, so lonely and so afraid. I’m watching this 30th anniversary game on the couch with my wife, a life full of love, so proud and so brave.

Father’s Day, Part II: Suite seats at the 30th anniversary WNBA season, cheering on the LA Sparks. Safe to say my kids crushed Father’s Day this year. We won 🥂

On a weekend when we've seen so many end-of-quarter possessions where the guard with the ball screwed up the timing, all kinds of credit to Wheeler there. Knew how long she had, and what she could get done in that time. So many players toss up some off-balance garbage in that situation. #WNBA

How Caitlin inspired Nneka to be a better clutch shooter, by Christine Brennan. #WNBA

*taps mic* The Mystics did it again, this time against the Lynx. And again Sydney Johnson said he thinks he has the best job in the #WNBA.

The Aces, Dream and Liberty thank the young hos for bringing the Lynx down a notch. #WNBA

I'm over the moon with this win! Toughness! #Mystics Lets do it again on Wednesday. #WNBA

Nneka Ogwumike with an incredible game-winner for the LA Sparks as they defeat the New York Liberty at the buzzer 98-97. The Sparks trailed by 17 points in the 2nd half, but fought hard to rally late to pick up an impressive win. #WNBA

So, we’re all voting Nneka for All-Star tomorrow, right? #wnba

I love that for Nneka...a game winner in the anniversary game #wnba

Also Nneka knew it was Rae’s birthday so you’re not gonna lose the 30th anniversary game AND her birthday AND Lisa Leslie in the house #wnba

Well I’ll be damned. The Sparks pulled it off. #WNBA

I am so proud of such a young Mystics team for going on the road and getting such a tough dub in a hostile environment against what is arguably one of the best teams in the #WNBA. 🥹🥹🥹 #WNBASeason2026 #WNBA2026

At least a Liberty Biberty opps loss cheers me up for the Lynx loss. 😁 #wnba