As some of you may know, I’m not athletic, but I do enjoy learning about sports and athletes. I always find new interesting topics to write about, and I gain so much wisdom that I never knew before. For the next few weeks, I’ll be coming with a new segment called “Did You Know?” that gives some historical facts about athletes, organizations, sports, and leagues. Since basketball season is in full swing for high schools and colleges, what better way to start than present some facts about the Women’s National Basketball Association?
Things you may already know:
- The WNBA was founded in 1996 and is composed of 12 teams.
- The fanbase is not as big as the NBA, but popularity has grown over the decade.
- WNBA athletes are not making nearly as much as the men who play in the NBA.
- Lisa Leslie, Penny Toler, and Sylvia Fowles are some of the most recognized names in the league.
- The WNBA regular season starts in May.
Things you may not know:
- Lisa Leslie made the first slam dunk in the league for the Los Angeles Sparks on July 30, 2002.
- DeWanna Bonner, who plays for Phoenix, earned $127,500 in 2019, making her the highest paid earner in the WNBA.
- Rookies in the NBA make more than seasoned WNBA athletes.
- Six WNBA teams are associated with NBA teams, known as “sister teams.”
- Sheryl Swoopes was the first woman signed and sent to the Houston Comets.
Are you a fan of the WNBA? Why or why not? Let me know at tyrah@staging.itgnext.com
Written by: Tyrah Walker
