The WNBA Turns 30! How the League is Celebrating with Merchandise, Court Designs & More!

The WNBA is set to embark on its 30th anniversary tour, celebrating the milestone in fun and unique ways. All season long, the WNBA will celebrate the past, present, and future!

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/WNBAE/Getty Images)

Over 30 years, there have been defining moments forever etched in the history books. Since its founding on Apr. 24, 1996, the WNBA’s journey hasn’t always been triumphant. There were several defunct franchises, low salaries, limited conditions, and a lack of visibility. But through all those tumultuous times, the league conquered, and now we are celebrating 30 years.

It’s a celebration of the trailblazing players and coaches who paved the way for the modern day and future generations.

WNBA News: Connecticut Sun to Relocate to Houston | Key Dates | 30 Must-Watch Matchups of 2026 WNBA Season

The inaugural WNBA Draft was held in 1997, producing legendary pioneers across eight original teams. Some of the most renowned players emerged from that draft, such as Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Teresa Weatherspoon, just to name a few. From the moment Tina Thompson was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA, the league developed deeply devoted fans and a strong legacy. Indeed, one built on trailblazing talent, rivalries, and generational players who helped shape the game.

WNBA promo (1997)
ft. (@LisaLeslie), (@RebeccaLobo), & (@airswoopes22) pic.twitter.com/GMKRho3FkE

— Vintage WNBA (@WNBA_vintage) January 28, 2022

The Houston Comets Dynasty

The Houston Comets etched themselves as one of the most decorated franchises in history. Considered the WNBA’s first-ever dynasty, the team won four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000. Under head coach Van Chancellor, Houston assembled one of the most famous rosters to date. From LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade in South Beach—to Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Toni Kukoč in the Windy City—there’s been chatter over the years about the NBA’s greatest three-headed monsters.

HOUSTON COMETS DYNASTY!

4 Years / 4 Championships
Regular season: 98-24
Playoffs: 16-2 https://t.co/za0Ee5BOhQ pic.twitter.com/Mn3vfnkcWU

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 15, 2025

What’s been overlooked is the Comets’ foundation for success and distinction. To date, Houston arguably introduced one of the greatest trios of all time in Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Cynthia Cooper. Houston built a dynasty, albeit a short-lived one.

Although the franchise folded in 2008, the Comets will be revived, and the league announced the Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston in 2027.

Years of Inequality Fueled Growth

While the WNBA’s entire legacy doesn’t rest on the Comets’ shoulders, they were pegged as the pillar for success. Since the league has experienced turbulence, the most historic collective bargaining agreement landed the plane. For decades, the WNBA has produced icons such as Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and more. Nonetheless, the players weren’t receiving adequate salaries, facilities, or revenue share.

In fact, most of them didn’t have their own locker rooms or hotel rooms. It wasn’t until 2024 that the WNBA introduced charter flights. That was the most crucial topic two years ago, and look at the progress today.

Notably, several players, such as Taurasi and Stewart, played overseas to supplement their incomes. Especially Taurasi, who was paid a significant amount to lace up for Spartak Moscow in Russia. While Taurasi lived a successful and lavish lifestyle, it came with a risk following owner Shabtai Kalmanovich’s assassination. Taurasi, a three-part docuseries on Prime Video, further elaborates on her time overseas.

The Caitlin Clark Era

The arrival of Caitlin Clark in 2024 propelled the WNBA into further ascension. Achieving historical growth in attendance, social media, merchandise, and ticket sales, the league skyrocketed in popularity. Players such as Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers became household names, and it’s important to recognize the wide array of talent already established in the league.

JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Madison Booker, Olivia Miles, Flau’jae Johnson, and other prominent NCAA stars will shape the league’s future. And many of them will reap the benefits of the new CBA. The average salary in 2000 was barely $50,000, while the median salary in 2025 was just north of $102,000.

CAITLIN CLARK TODAY

• 32 POINTS
• 9 ASSISTS
• 8 REBOUNDS
• 2 BLOCKS
• 7 THREES
• 11/20 FG
• 31 MINUTES PLAYED pic.twitter.com/2wxVyOKoPa

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) June 14, 2025

Through long, intense hours and days of CBA negotiations, the players understood their worth and battle-tested the WNBA. It’s not so much about the present as it is about future prosperity. While many will enjoy the rewards, it’s as much about the money as it is about honoring the past. With a maximum salary set for $1.5 million and a revenue-sharing system tied to the salary cap, it’s a testament to the players’ persistence and the WNBA’s continued growth. With the life of the deal expected to run through 2032, the new deal signals one of the most transformational CBAs in sports history.

I was just seven years old when the WNBA was introduced to the world. To witness not only the league survive tumultuous times, but also reach the other side is incredible. Consequently, the league will bring back the past through relocation and expansion to Houston, Detroit, Cleveland, and Portland.

Inside the WNBA’s 30th Season!

Talk about a full-circle moment. Let’s talk about the distinct ways the WNBA will celebrate its 30th season…

The 2026 season will highlight a 44-game season, beginning with a northeast showdown between the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty. This will be followed by a clash between Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings and Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 9. With several matchups moved to bigger networks and venues, the Sun will bid farewell to the Nutmeg State for its final season.

“Season 30 arrives at the perfect transformational moment in our league’s history – marking both a defining milestone and the beginning of a new era for the WNBA,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a press release. “The unprecedented growth and momentum we’re experiencing today is the result of three decades of commitment – from players, teams, fans, partners, and investors. As we step into this next dynamic era together, Season 30 is tracking to be our most memorable yet – celebrating both how far we’ve come while highlighting the limitless opportunities ahead as we continue to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.”

The WNBA announced that the 30th anniversary season will feature several activations throughout the season. Introducing a special merchandise program, three films will showcase the greatness, rising stars, and championship moments throughout the years. What better way to pay homage to the past players and teams who built the game? The 30th season will also honor the fans who never wavered, while welcoming new supporters.

Let’s take a look at how the league is embracing its three-decade birthday.

Season 30 Campaign

This year’s 30th WNBA season will be celebrated through an integrated brand campaign that blends the past, present, and future. The tagline headlines “There’s More Where Thirty Came From,” amplifying the fact that the last three decades are a reflection of growth, progress, and cultural influence. In addition, the WNBA will release three films honoring the 30th season: Raising GOATs, Signatures, and Confetti.

“As we tip off our historic 30th season, we’re bringing fans closer to the WNBA than ever before through bold, creative, and immersive storytelling,” said WNBA Chief Marketing Officer Phil Cook in a press release. “We’re building a season-long platform of activations, collaborations, and fan-first experiences designed to engage the WNBA family wherever they are. Season 30 will be our most ambitious and innovative marketing campaign ever – one that matches the current momentum of the WNBA.”

Raising GOATS is narrated by Sheryl Swoopes. Highlighting key moments from the past, the video reflects on the WNBA’s journey and that legacies can be defined in the future. The WNBA has accomplished a lot over a three-decade span, but there’s more work to be done.

We’ve done a lot in 30 years.

The best part? We aren’t done yet.

Season 30 starts May 8th. #WNBASeason30 pic.twitter.com/lgdj9lIneC

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 7, 2026

WNBA Court Origins

The 2026 WNBA season will feature its first-ever retro program, highlighted by “WNBA Court Origin Nights.” The league will pay homage to its original teams by designating Nike Court Origin uniforms and warm-ups. Included will be a Wilson Court Origin game ball edition featuring the 1997 branding. Everyone loves a good throwback; this is a tribute to the past.

This program will showcase three prominent original teams on national television: The New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, and Phoenix Mercury. Staples of the inaugural 1997 season, the franchises have remained cornerstones of the WNBA’s history.

Sparks win championship (2002)
WNBA Finals Game 2
Liberty vs Sparks pic.twitter.com/Rgei54K1Fq

— Vintage WNBA (@WNBA_vintage) May 2, 2022

With all three immortalized in the history books, the teams have combined to win seven championships. Donned by the purple and gold, Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker defined two generations in Los Angeles. Since its founding in 1997, the Sparks have won three championships: 2001, 2002, and 2016.

Cornerstone Franchises: Sparks, Liberty, Mercury

The Liberty finally secured their first WNBA Championship in 2024 after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a decisive Game 5. Not only did the trophy finally signal winning basketball in the Big Apple, but it also awarded the Liberty faithful. From a failed run at Madison Square Garden to minimal space in Westchester, Liberty fans stood firm. To this day, the culture speaks for itself with constant sellout crowds at the Barclays Center.

Although New York has just one championship in 30 years, the Ring of Honor dedicates and honors the legends who donned the seafoam green. Although rebranded over time, the Liberty was once home to Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, Crystal Robinson, Sue Wicks, Tari Phillips, Kym Hampton, and Vickie Johnson. Perhaps the greatest moment in Liberty franchise history includes Weatherspoon’s famous half-court shot in Game 2 of the 1999 finals (aka “The Shot”).

“The Shot” Teresa Weatherspoon (1999 WNBA Finals) https://t.co/G2GDtAvYcF pic.twitter.com/EDGNanUPx3

— march maddyness (@phxsunz25) June 22, 2024

Then there’s Sabrina Ionescu‘s deep logo dagger in Game 3 of the 2025 Finals. A franchise defined by culture and fan support, fans stayed ready after three finals appearances from 1997 to 2000. 24 years later, the “Liberty Biberty” delivered.

Considered one of the premier founding organizations in the WNBA, the Mercury is tied with the Detroit Shock, Las Vegas Aces, and Los Angeles Sparks for the second-most championship wins in history. Winning three titles in 2007, 2009, and 2014, this franchise was defined by Diana Taurasi. Drafted first overall in 2004 by Phoenix, Taurasi went on to play all 20 seasons with the same franchise that housed DeWanna Bonner, Penny Taylor, Brittney Griner, Cappie Pondexter, and more.

Mercury selects Taurasi #1 (2004)
WNBA Draft
ft. (@DianaTaurasi) pic.twitter.com/GeYq6qB4bP

— Vintage WNBA (@WNBA_vintage) April 10, 2023

WNBA Legacy Trail

If you’re a big merch fan, this section is for you. This season, the WNBA Legacy Trail is a “fan-centric” merchandise program that showcases the WNBA’s legacy while recognizing those who have shaped the league, including fans, staff, and moments.

Celebrate Season 30 with the WNBA Legacy Trail.

All season long, we’re honoring the history of the W with exclusive merch drops—unlocking a new product every month. Keep an eye out for not one, not two, but three drops in April!

Follow along and collect a piece of history as… pic.twitter.com/7Q979ePoVN

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 7, 2026

Product drops will roll out in April, featuring LA Crema (Apr. 9), Nike (Apr. 12), and Mitchell & Ness (Apr. 15). As if the announcement couldn’t get any more exciting, new merch collaborations will be released on the 30th of each month.

WNBA Top 30 Plays

The WNBA continues to come up with fun ways to celebrate the 30th season, and this is a great way to do so. The top 30 plays are exactly what they sound like.

Long-form content will highlight conversations and a full countdown of plays. In addition, it will honor the most memorable plays in history through three decades. Featured will be former WNBA players, coaches, and influential voices who will evaluate each play.

The 2026 WNBA season tips off on Friday, May 8. The Toronto Tempo will make their debut against the Washington Mystics, and the Golden State Valkyries will take on the Seattle Storm in a West Coast clash. Stay tuned for more updates from the WNBA’s historic 30th season.

Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.