Women's National Basketball Association
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:31:48 PM Wikipedia source
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women's professional basketball league in North America composed of 15 teams (14 in the United States and 1 in Canada), scheduled to expand to 18 by 2030. The WNBA is one of the professional women's sports leagues in North America. The WNBA is headquartered in New York City. The WNBA was founded on April 24, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA); league play began in 1997. The regular season runs from May to September, with each team playing 44 games. The top eight teams (regardless of conference) qualify for the playoffs, culminating in the WNBA Finals, which is played in October. The All-Star Game occurs midway through the season in July. The league hosts an annual mid-season competition, the Commissioner's Cup. The WNBA is an active member of USA Basketball (USAB), which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as the governing body for basketball in the United States.
Infobox
Founded
April 24, 1996 (1996-04-24)
First season
1997
Commissioner
Cathy Engelbert
No. of teams
15 (18 by 2030)
Countries
United States (14 teams) Canada (1 team)
Headquarters
New York City, United States
Most recent champions
Las Vegas Aces (3rd title)
Most titles
Houston Comets Minnesota Lynx Seattle Storm (4 titles each)
Broadcasters
United States: ABC/ESPN/ESPN2/ESPN Deportes CBS/Paramount Ion Amazon Prime Video NBA TV NBC/NBCSN/Telemundo/Universo/Peacock USA Network Canada: TSN/CTV Amazon Prime Video NBA TV Canada International: see list
Official website
wnba
Tables
Key · Teams
| Symbol | Meaning |
| Franchise has relocated at some point in its existence |
Overview of WNBA teams – 2026 season · Teams
Eastern
Eastern
Conference
Eastern
Team
Atlanta Dream
City
College Park, Georgia
Arena
Gateway Center Arena
Capacity
3,500
Joined
2008
Head coach
Karl Smesko
Chicago Sky
Chicago Sky
Conference
Chicago Sky
Team
Chicago, Illinois
City
Wintrust Arena
Arena
10,387
Capacity
2006
Joined
Tyler Marsh
Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun
Conference
Connecticut Sun
Team
Uncasville, Connecticut
City
Mohegan Sun Arena
Arena
9,323
Capacity
1999*
Joined
Rachid Meziane
Indiana Fever
Indiana Fever
Conference
Indiana Fever
Team
Indianapolis, Indiana
City
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Arena
17,274
Capacity
2000
Joined
Stephanie White
New York Liberty
New York Liberty
Conference
New York Liberty
Team
Brooklyn, New York
City
Barclays Center
Arena
17,732
Capacity
1997
Joined
Chris DeMarco
Toronto Tempo
Toronto Tempo
Conference
Toronto Tempo
Team
Toronto, Ontario
City
Coca-Cola Coliseum
Arena
8,700
Capacity
2026
Joined
Sandy Brondello
Washington Mystics
Washington Mystics
Conference
Washington Mystics
Team
Washington, D .
City
CareFirst Arena
Arena
4,200
Capacity
1998
Joined
Sydney Johnson
Western
Western
Conference
Western
Team
Dallas Wings
City
Arlington, Texas
Arena
College Park Center
Capacity
7,000
Joined
1998*
Head coach
Jose Fernandez
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries
Conference
Golden State Valkyries
Team
San Francisco, California
City
Chase Center
Arena
18,064
Capacity
2025
Joined
Natalie Nakase
Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas Aces
Conference
Las Vegas Aces
Team
Paradise, Nevada
City
Michelob Ultra Arena
Arena
12,000
Capacity
1997*
Joined
Becky Hammon
Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks
Conference
Los Angeles Sparks
Team
Los Angeles, California
City
Crypto Arena
Arena
19,079
Capacity
1997
Joined
Lynne Roberts
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx
Conference
Minnesota Lynx
Team
Minneapolis, Minnesota
City
Target Center
Arena
18,798
Capacity
1999
Joined
Cheryl Reeve
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury
Conference
Phoenix Mercury
Team
Phoenix, Arizona
City
Mortgage Matchup Center
Arena
17,071
Capacity
1997
Joined
Nate Tibbetts
Portland Fire
Portland Fire
Conference
Portland Fire
Team
Portland, Oregon
City
Moda Center
Arena
19,393
Capacity
2026
Joined
Alex Sarama
Seattle Storm
Seattle Storm
Conference
Seattle Storm
Team
Seattle, Washington
City
Climate Pledge Arena
Arena
18,300
Capacity
2000
Joined
Sonia Raman
| Conference | Team | City | Arena | Capacity | Joined | Head coach |
| Eastern | Atlanta Dream | College Park, Georgia | Gateway Center Arena | 3,500 | 2008 | Karl Smesko |
| Chicago Sky | Chicago, Illinois | Wintrust Arena | 10,387 | 2006 | Tyler Marsh | |
| Connecticut Sun | Uncasville, Connecticut | Mohegan Sun Arena | 9,323 | 1999* | Rachid Meziane | |
| Indiana Fever | Indianapolis, Indiana | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | 17,274 | 2000 | Stephanie White | |
| New York Liberty | Brooklyn, New York | Barclays Center | 17,732 | 1997 | Chris DeMarco | |
| Toronto Tempo | Toronto, Ontario | Coca-Cola Coliseum | 8,700 | 2026 | Sandy Brondello | |
| Washington Mystics | Washington, D . | CareFirst Arena | 4,200 | 1998 | Sydney Johnson | |
| Western | Dallas Wings | Arlington, Texas | College Park Center | 7,000 | 1998* | Jose Fernandez |
| Golden State Valkyries | San Francisco, California | Chase Center | 18,064 | 2025 | Natalie Nakase | |
| Las Vegas Aces | Paradise, Nevada | Michelob Ultra Arena | 12,000 | 1997* | Becky Hammon | |
| Los Angeles Sparks | Los Angeles, California | Crypto Arena | 19,079 | 1997 | Lynne Roberts | |
| Minnesota Lynx | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Target Center | 18,798 | 1999 | Cheryl Reeve | |
| Phoenix Mercury | Phoenix, Arizona | Mortgage Matchup Center | 17,071 | 1997 | Nate Tibbetts | |
| Portland Fire | Portland, Oregon | Moda Center | 19,393 | 2026 | Alex Sarama | |
| Seattle Storm | Seattle, Washington | Climate Pledge Arena | 18,300 | 2000 | Sonia Raman |
Planned WNBA teams · Teams › Future teams
Cleveland WNBA team
Cleveland WNBA team
Team
Cleveland WNBA team
City
Cleveland, Ohio
Arena
Rocket Arena
Capacity
19,432
Joining
2028
Detroit WNBA team
Detroit WNBA team
Team
Detroit WNBA team
City
Detroit, Michigan
Arena
Little Caesars Arena
Capacity
20,332
Joining
2029
Philadelphia WNBA team
Philadelphia WNBA team
Team
Philadelphia WNBA team
City
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Arena
New South Philadelphia Arena
Capacity
21,000
Joining
2030
| Team | City | Arena | Capacity | Joining | Head coach |
| Cleveland WNBA team | Cleveland, Ohio | Rocket Arena | 19,432 | 2028 | |
| Detroit WNBA team | Detroit, Michigan | Little Caesars Arena | 20,332 | 2029 | |
| Philadelphia WNBA team | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | New South Philadelphia Arena | 21,000 | 2030 |
WNBA Milestones · Players and coaches › Milestones
First player signed
First player signed
Milestone
First player signed
Player
Sheryl Swoopes
Team
Houston Comets
Date
October 23, 1996
Information
Signed by the WNBA and assigned to Houston.
First points scored
First points scored
Milestone
First points scored
Player
Penny Toler
Team
Los Angeles Sparks
Date
June 21, 1997
Information
Scored the first points on a baseline jump-shot.
First triple-double
First triple-double
Milestone
First triple-double
Player
Sheryl Swoopes
Team
Houston Comets
Date
July 27, 1998
Information
14 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists
First slam dunk
First slam dunk
Milestone
First slam dunk
Player
Lisa Leslie
Team
Los Angeles Sparks
Date
July 30, 2002
Information
Dunked on a fast break against Miami
First 50–40–90 season
First 50–40–90 season
Milestone
First 50–40–90 season
Player
Elena Delle Donne
Team
Washington Mystics
Date
2019
Information
51 % FG, 43 % 3FG, 97 % FT
Most games played
Most games played
Milestone
Most games played
Player
Sue Bird
Team
Seattle Storm
Date
2002–2012, 2014–2018, 2020–2022
Information
580 games
Most career points
Most career points
Milestone
Most career points
Player
Diana Taurasi
Team
Phoenix Mercury
Date
2004–2014, 2016–2024
Information
10,646 points
Most career rebounds
Most career rebounds
Milestone
Most career rebounds
Player
Tina Charles
Team
Connecticut Sun / Washington Mystics / Phoenix Mercury / Seattle Storm / Atlanta Dream
Date
2010–2019, 2021–2022, 2024–present
Information
4,207 rebounds
Most career assists
Most career assists
Milestone
Most career assists
Player
Sue Bird
Team
Seattle Storm
Date
2002–2012, 2014–2018, 2020–2022
Information
3,234 assists
Most career blocks
Most career blocks
Milestone
Most career blocks
Player
Margo Dydek
Team
Utah Starzz / San Antonio Silver Stars / Connecticut Sun / Los Angeles Sparks
Date
1998–2004, 2005–2007, 2008
Information
877 blocks
Most career steals
Most career steals
Milestone
Most career steals
Player
Tamika Catchings
Team
Indiana Fever
Date
2002–2016
Information
1,074 steals
Most 3-pointers
Most 3-pointers
Milestone
Most 3-pointers
Player
Diana Taurasi
Team
Phoenix Mercury
Date
2004–2014, 2016–2024
Information
1,447 3-pointers
Most points in a game
Most points in a game
Milestone
Most points in a game
Player
Liz Cambage
Team
Dallas Wings
Date
July 17, 2018
Information
53 points
A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson
Milestone
A'ja Wilson
Player
Las Vegas Aces
Team
August 22, 2023
Most rebounds in a game
Most rebounds in a game
Milestone
Most rebounds in a game
Player
Chamique Holdsclaw
Team
Washington Mystics
Date
May 23, 2003
Information
24 rebounds
Most assists in a game
Most assists in a game
Milestone
Most assists in a game
Player
Caitlin Clark
Team
Indiana Fever
Date
July 17, 2024
Information
19 assists
Most career regular season wins for a coach
Most career regular season wins for a coach
Milestone
Most career regular season wins for a coach
Player
Mike Thibault
Team
Connecticut Sun / Washington Mystics
Date
2003–2022
Information
379 wins
Most career post-season wins for a coach
Most career post-season wins for a coach
Milestone
Most career post-season wins for a coach
Player
Cheryl Reeve
Team
Minnesota Lynx
Date
2010–present
Information
50 wins
Most team points in one game
Most team points in one game
Milestone
Most team points in one game
Player
–
Team
Phoenix Mercury
Date
July 24, 2010
Information
127 points in double overtime against Minnesota
Most team points in a regulation game
Most team points in a regulation game
Milestone
Most team points in a regulation game
Player
–
Team
Phoenix Mercury
Date
July 22, 2010
Information
123 points against Tulsa
Largest margin of victory
Largest margin of victory
Milestone
Largest margin of victory
Player
–
Team
Minnesota Lynx
Date
August 18, 2017
Information
59-point win (111–52) over Indiana
Largest attendance for any game
Largest attendance for any game
Milestone
Largest attendance for any game
Player
–
Team
Detroit Shock
Date
September 16, 2007
Information
22,076 in game 5 of 2007 Finals
Largest attendance for a regular-season game
Largest attendance for a regular-season game
Milestone
Largest attendance for a regular-season game
Player
–
Team
Washington Mystics
Date
September 19, 2024
Information
20,711 vs. Indiana Fever
| Milestone | Player | Team | Date | Information |
| First player signed | Sheryl Swoopes | Houston Comets | October 23, 1996 | Signed by the WNBA and assigned to Houston. |
| First points scored | Penny Toler | Los Angeles Sparks | June 21, 1997 | Scored the first points on a baseline jump-shot. |
| First triple-double | Sheryl Swoopes | Houston Comets | July 27, 1998 | 14 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists |
| First slam dunk | Lisa Leslie | Los Angeles Sparks | July 30, 2002 | Dunked on a fast break against Miami |
| First 50–40–90 season | Elena Delle Donne | Washington Mystics | 2019 | 51 % FG, 43 % 3FG, 97 % FT |
| Most games played | Sue Bird | Seattle Storm | 2002–2012, 2014–2018, 2020–2022 | 580 games |
| Most career points | Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | 2004–2014, 2016–2024 | 10,646 points |
| Most career rebounds | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun / Washington Mystics / Phoenix Mercury / Seattle Storm / Atlanta Dream | 2010–2019, 2021–2022, 2024–present | 4,207 rebounds |
| Most career assists | Sue Bird | Seattle Storm | 2002–2012, 2014–2018, 2020–2022 | 3,234 assists |
| Most career blocks | Margo Dydek | Utah Starzz / San Antonio Silver Stars / Connecticut Sun / Los Angeles Sparks | 1998–2004, 2005–2007, 2008 | 877 blocks |
| Most career steals | Tamika Catchings | Indiana Fever | 2002–2016 | 1,074 steals |
| Most 3-pointers | Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | 2004–2014, 2016–2024 | 1,447 3-pointers |
| Most points in a game | Liz Cambage | Dallas Wings | July 17, 2018 | 53 points |
| A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | August 22, 2023 | ||
| Most rebounds in a game | Chamique Holdsclaw | Washington Mystics | May 23, 2003 | 24 rebounds |
| Most assists in a game | Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | July 17, 2024 | 19 assists |
| Most career regular season wins for a coach | Mike Thibault | Connecticut Sun / Washington Mystics | 2003–2022 | 379 wins |
| Most career post-season wins for a coach | Cheryl Reeve | Minnesota Lynx | 2010–present | 50 wins |
| Most team points in one game | – | Phoenix Mercury | July 24, 2010 | 127 points in double overtime against Minnesota |
| Most team points in a regulation game | – | Phoenix Mercury | July 22, 2010 | 123 points against Tulsa |
| Largest margin of victory | – | Minnesota Lynx | August 18, 2017 | 59-point win (111–52) over Indiana |
| Largest attendance for any game | – | Detroit Shock | September 16, 2007 | 22,076 in game 5 of 2007 Finals |
| Largest attendance for a regular-season game | – | Washington Mystics | September 19, 2024 | 20,711 vs. Indiana Fever |
· Players and coaches › Awards › Most recent award winners
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Award
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Award
A'ja Wilson
Winner
Las Vegas Aces
Team
Center
Position
51 out of 72
Finals MVP
Finals MVP
Award
Finals MVP
Award
N/A
Rookie of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Award
Rookie of the Year
Award
Paige Bueckers
Winner
Dallas Wings
Team
Guard
Position
70 out of 72
Most Improved Player
Most Improved Player
Award
Most Improved Player
Award
Veronica Burton
Winner
Golden State Valkyries
Team
68 out of 72
Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Award
Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Award
Alanna Smith
Winner
Minnesota Lynx
Team
Forward
Position
29 out of 72 (each)
A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson
Award
A'ja Wilson
Award
Las Vegas Aces
Winner
Center
Sixth Player of the Year
Sixth Player of the Year
Award
Sixth Player of the Year
Award
Naz Hillmon
Winner
Atlanta Dream
Team
Forward
Position
44 out of 72
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award
Award
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award
Award
Nneka Ogwumike
Winner
Seattle Storm
Team
18 out of 72
Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award
Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award
Award
Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award
Award
Tina Charles
Winner
Connecticut Sun
Team
Center
Position
N/A
Peak Performers
Peak Performers
Award
Peak Performers
Award
Points
Winner
A'ja Wilson
Team
Las Vegas Aces
Position
Center
Votes/Statistic
23 ppg
Rebounds
Rebounds
Award
Rebounds
Award
Angel Reese
Winner
Chicago Sky
Team
Forward
Position
12 rpg
Assists
Assists
Award
Assists
Award
Alyssa Thomas
Winner
Phoenix Mercury
Team
9 apg
Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year
Award
Coach of the Year
Award
Natalie Nakase
Winner
Golden State Valkyries
Team
Head Coach
Position
53 out of 72
Basketball Executive of the Year
Basketball Executive of the Year
Award
Basketball Executive of the Year
Award
Dan Padover
Winner
Atlanta Dream
Team
General Manager
Position
8 out of 14
Business Executive Leadership Award
Business Executive Leadership Award
Award
Business Executive Leadership Award
Award
Jess Smith
Winner
Golden State Valkyries
Team
President
Position
N/A
| Award | Winner | Team | Position | Votes/Statistic | Ref. | |
| Most Valuable Player (MVP) | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | Center | 51 out of 72 | ||
| Finals MVP | N/A | |||||
| Rookie of the Year | Paige Bueckers | Dallas Wings | Guard | 70 out of 72 | ||
| Most Improved Player | Veronica Burton | Golden State Valkyries | 68 out of 72 | |||
| Co-Defensive Player of the Year | Alanna Smith | Minnesota Lynx | Forward | 29 out of 72 (each) | ||
| A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | Center | ||||
| Sixth Player of the Year | Naz Hillmon | Atlanta Dream | Forward | 44 out of 72 | ||
| Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award | Nneka Ogwumike | Seattle Storm | 18 out of 72 | |||
| Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun | Center | N/A | ||
| Peak Performers | Points | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | Center | 23 ppg | |
| Rebounds | Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | Forward | 12 rpg | ||
| Assists | Alyssa Thomas | Phoenix Mercury | 9 apg | |||
| Coach of the Year | Natalie Nakase | Golden State Valkyries | Head Coach | 53 out of 72 | ||
| Basketball Executive of the Year | Dan Padover | Atlanta Dream | General Manager | 8 out of 14 | ||
| Business Executive Leadership Award | Jess Smith | Golden State Valkyries | President | N/A | ||
References
- The Tempo have announced that during their inaugural 2026 season fifteen home games will be played at Coca-Cola Coliseum
- The Community Assist Award has been presented on a monthly basis during the season since 2008, but a season-long version
- "Votes" listed are first-place votes, except as noted, although the winners for all WNBA awards apart from the statistic
- The WNBA did not announce detailed voting results.
- Reese did not meet the statistical minimum for this award for total games played but did qualify due to her total number
- Reflects tenure with the team that retired the player's number; not necessarily identical to the player's WNBA tenure.
- Number retired by the franchise when it was playing as the San Antonio Stars. Hammon played the last eight seasons of he
- Bird missed the 2013 and 2019 seasons to injuries.
- LA moved from The Forum to Staples Center prior to the 2001 season.
- HOU moved from Compaq Center to Toyota Center prior to the 2003 season.
- NY played six games at Radio City Music Hall in 2004.
- HOU moved from Toyota Center to Reliant Arena prior to the 2008 season.
- CHI moved from UIC Pavilion to Allstate Arena prior to the 2010 season.
- NY moved temporarily from Madison Square Garden to Prudential Center from 2011 through 2013
- SA moved temporarily from AT&T Center to Freeman Coliseum for the 2015 season.
- ATL moved temporarily from Philips Arena, now known as State Farm Arena, to McCamish Pavilion for the 2017 and 2018 seas
- CHI moved from Allstate Arena to Wintrust Arena prior to the 2018 season.
- NY moved to Westchester County Center prior to the 2018 season with Madison Square Garden as an alternate home.
- ATL returned to State Farm Arena for one season.
- LV played one game at T-Mobile Arena.