description WNBA Overview
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a professional women's basketball league in the United States. It was founded by the National Basketball Association in 1996 and began play in 1997. The league provides a national competition for professional women basketball players and operates as part of the wider North American basketball system, with teams representing cities in the United States.
help WNBA FAQ
When was the WNBA founded, and when did it start playing?
The NBA Board of Governors approved the WNBA concept on April 24, 1996, and the first season began in June 1997. The inaugural game was played on June 21, 1997. [WNBA](https://www.wnba.com/news/formation-of-the-wnba)
Which teams were the original WNBA franchises?
The eight charter cities were Charlotte, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Utah. The original teams included the Houston Comets, New York Liberty, and Los Angeles Sparks. [WNBA](https://www.wnba.com/news/formation-of-the-wnba)
Who won the first WNBA championship?
The Houston Comets won the inaugural 1997 WNBA championship by defeating the New York Liberty. Houston then won the league's first four titles from 1997 through 2000, led by players including Cynthia Cooper. [WNBA](https://www.wnba.com/all-time-wnba-champions)
Is the WNBA a reserve league for the NBA?
No. It is a separate professional women's basketball league that was created with NBA backing, not an NBA development league. The first WNBA players to sign included Rebecca Lobo and Sheryl Swoopes in 1996. [WNBA](https://www.wnba.com/news/formation-of-the-wnba)
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