The Women’s National Basketball Association already had a future when the first official teams and their uniforms were introduced in 1997. Thirty seasons later, there is still reason to celebrate. Women’s Wear Daily captured the momentum during the now historic press conference at Madison Square Garden when the inaugural eight teams — the New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, Charlotte Sting, Utah Starzz and Sacramento Monarch — unveiled their uniforms.
Champion was the league’s first apparel sponsor, helping players step out in style. The 12-piece offering gave women’s team sports apparel a much needed boost and helped deepen appreciation among its growing fan base.
First-round picks Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo and Sheryl Swoopes — the first female basketball player to sign a contract with Nike — are now legends of the game, but they were also among the first to experience the brand attention long afforded their male counterparts. Beyond Nike, early adopters included Reebok and Lee Jeans, along with retailers JCPenney and Lady Foot Locker, now folded into Foot Locker.
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Since 1997, the roster of brand sponsors has grown to include Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, New Balance and Skims, which has provided gear for fans. The league has also expanded. Now boasting 15 franchises and counting, the WNBA and its players have moved beyond the requisite uniform. Today, the next generation of players, including Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, is growing their personal brands across fashion categories, taking full-court style beyond the court.
From WWD and the Fairchild Archive, here’s a look back at the moment when the WNBA solidified its place in sports-fashion history.
