sports

How Many WNBA Teams Are There?

(Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)

Published May 26, 2023

So, you're looking for more information on how many WNBA teams are currently in the league? Let's talk about it!

The WNBA was founded in 1996 and is the premier women's professional basketball league on the planet. It was formed as a collaboration between the NBA and various team owners, with the goal of promoting and developing women's basketball at the professional level.

Today, the WNBA is made up of twelve franchises who play in different cities across the United States. The league has seen franchises created and folded, but it's finally in a healthy position, and the teams we have today seem here to stay.

Here is a look at all 12 WNBA teams:

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Dream

Year Founded: 2008
Championships: N/A
Head Coach: Tanisha Wright
Owners: Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, Renee Montgomery

The Atlanta Dream joined the WNBA in 2008 and have a rich history. They may not have a championship to claim but they do have three conference titles.

Chicago Sky

Year Founded: 2006
Championships: 2021
Head Coach: James Wade
Owners: Michael Alter, Margaret Stender, Michelle Williams, and Mathew Knowles

The city of Chicago is a mecca for basketball so it makes sense that they got a team in 2006. The Sky's best season came in 2021 after hometown hero Candace Parker led them to their first ever WNBA Championship.

Connecticut Sun

Year Founded: 1999
Championships: N/A
Head Coach: Stephanie White
Owners: Mohegan Tribe

The Connecticut Sun are one of the oldest WNBA franchises. Although they have never won a WNBA championship, they did claim conference titles in 2004, 2005, and 2022.

Indiana Fever

Year Founded: 2000
Championships: 2012
Head Coach: Christie Sides
Owners: Herb Simon

The Indiana Fever are one of the WNBA's oldest teams, with their first season coming in 2000. They claimed the 2012 WNBA championship after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in four games. Tamika Catchings claimed the finals MVP for the Fever and cemented herself as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all-time.

New York Liberty

Year Founded: 1997
Championships: N/A
Head Coach: Sandy Brondello
Owners: Joseph Tsai

The New York Liberty are one of the only remaining WNBA franchises to have existed when the league was formed. Although they have no championships, the Liberty are entering a new era. They're backed by the all-star trio of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, which just might be the best trio to ever step foot for one team on a WNBA court.

Washington Mystics

Year Founded: 1998
Championships: 2019
Head Coach: Eric Thibault
Owners: Monumental Sports and Entertainment

The Washington Mystics are one of the WNBA's most historic teams, having played in the league since 1998. They claimed their first championship after an exceptional season in 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun in five games. Emma Meesseman took home MVP honors.

Western Conference

Dallas Wings

Year Founded: 1998
Championships: 2003, 2006, 2008
Head Coach: Latricia Trammell
Owners: Bill Cameron, Chris Christian, Mark Yancey, Greg Bibb

The Dallas Wings are not only one of the oldest teams in WNBA history, but they are also one of the most successful. They have three championships which all came during the 2000's. Those championships were won in their former city while they were previously named the Detroit Shock. They subsequently moved the franchise to Dallas and renamed it the Wings in 2015.

Las Vegas Aces

Year Founded: 1997
Championships: 2022
Head Coach: Becky Hammon
Owners: Mark Davis, Tom Brady

The Las Vegas Aces are currently the top team in the WNBA. They just won their first franchise championship last season and added a two-time champion in Candace Parker this offseason. They might not only repeat, but could be at the beginning stages of a dynasty.

Los Angeles Sparks

Year Founded: 1997
Championships: 2001, 2002, 2016
Head Coach: Curt Miller
Owners: Mark Walter, Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, Todd Boehly, Bobby Patton

The Los Angeles Sparks have been an integral part in the WNBAs growth throughout its history. It' home to one of the biggest basketball markets in the world in Los Angeles. Their most recent championship came in 2016 after a world class series from Candace Parker.

Minnesota Lynx

Year Founded: 1999
Championships: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017
Head Coach: Cheryl Reeve
Owners: Glen Taylor

The Minnesota Lynx are currently tied for the most championships in WNBA history. Their title reign came in the 2010's, with three championships coming between 2011 to 2013. They were led by future hall of famer and one of the greatest female basketball players of all-time in Sylvia Fowles.

Phoenix Mercury

Year Founded: 1997
Championships: 2007, 2009, 2014
Head Coach: Vanessa Nygaard
Owners: Mat Ishbia

The Phoenix Mercury are one of the oldest and winningest franchises in WNBA history. They were founded in 1997 and have won three championships since. Notably, Diana Taurasi has played her entire career with the Mercury since being drafted in 2004.

Seattle Storm

Year Founded: 2000
Championships: 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020
Head Coach: Noelle Quinn
Owners: Force 10 Hoops LLC

The Seattle Storm have one of the richest histories in the WNBA. They are tied for the most championships at four. Their last two were backed by league MVP Breanna Stewart, who recently signed with the New York Liberty.

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