New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks play historic first WNBA game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
On June 21, 1997, the New York Liberty faced the Los Angeles Sparks in the inaugural WNBA game at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. The game drew a crowd of over 14,000, exceeding attendance expectations. Penny Toler scored the first basket in league history, while Rebecca Lobo led the Liberty to a 67-57 victory. This match marked a significant milestone for women's professional basketball, paving the way for future generations. Thirty years later, players and broadcasters reflected on the legacy of that historic day.
- •Game took place at Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.
- •Liberty won the game 67-57 against the Sparks.
- •Penny Toler scored the first basket in WNBA history.
- •Attendance exceeded expectations with over 14,000 fans.
- •Players celebrated 30 years of WNBA legacy in 2026.
- 3:27 AMYahoo Sports — Sparks celebrate 30 years of the WNBA by recreating the league's inaugural game against the Liberty
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — How the first-ever game between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks launched 30 years of WNBA basketball
"Thirty years after the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty helped usher in a new era for women's basketball, the two franchises met again Sunday night with history front and center.
"A look back at the sights, sounds and significance of the first-ever WNBA game.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 3:27 AMSparks celebrate 30 years of the WNBA by recreating the league's inaugural game against the Liberty
Thirty years after the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty helped usher in a new era for women's basketball, the two franchises met again Sunday night with history front and center.
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 12:00 PMHow the first-ever game between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks launched 30 years of WNBA basketball
A look back at the sights, sounds and significance of the first-ever WNBA game.
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