Liberty and Sparks commemorate WNBA's 30 years with matchup this weekend
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 7:51 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
The New York Liberty face the Los Angeles Sparks on June 21, 2026, marking 30 years since their first WNBA game. The inaugural matchup featured Lisa Leslie and the Sparks losing to the Liberty 67-57. The WNBA has since seen substantial growth, with franchise valuations averaging $427 million and increased viewership. This game serves as a reflection of the league's evolution from its uncertain beginnings to a mainstay in women's sports.
- •The Liberty won the first WNBA game in 1997, 67-57 against the Sparks.
- •Lisa Leslie attempted a dunk during the inaugural game but missed.
- •WNBA franchise valuations now average $427 million.
- •Attendance and ratings for the league have significantly increased over the years.
- •This game marks a celebration of three decades of women's professional basketball.
- 7:51 PMCBS Sports — 'Burden of carrying the league': 30 seasons later, Liberty vs. Sparks highlights WNBA's incredible evolution
"Over three decades, the WNBA has silenced the skepticism it met upon its 1997 debut in a major way
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