Sparks rally to beat Liberty in emotional WNBA anniversary game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the New York Liberty 98-97 in a thrilling match on June 21, 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of their inaugural game. Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike hit a game-winning three-pointer, igniting cheers from the 18,043 in attendance. The pre-game festivities featured WNBA legends, including Lisa Leslie, who reminisced about the league's evolution and significance. Highlights included a ceremonial tip-off pairing Leslie and Kym Hampton, as well as performances celebrating women in basketball.
- •Sparks rally from 17 down to win by one point.
- •Nneka Ogwumike scores game-winning three-pointer.
- •Pre-game festivities featured WNBA legends speaking to media.
- •Ceremonial tip-off reenacted first WNBA game.
- •Warren G performed between quarters during the celebrations.
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — All the ways that the Court Origins game between the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty was perfect for the WNBA
"The only thing better than the Sparks-Liberty game was the celebration of the WNBA happening around the action.
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