The NBA Board of Governors approved its women's counterpart, the WNBA, in 1996 before play began in June 1997.
Still one of the youngest professional sports leagues in North America, the Women's National Basketball Association has reached new heights in the 2020s. What began with eight franchises is set to reach 18 by the year 2030 as fan interest, viewership, and revenue grow.
Here's a look back at some WNBA Finals history, including every previous championship matchup and series MVP.
WNBA Finals Fast Facts
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
- Teams With Most WNBA Finals Appearances: Minnesota (7), New York (6), Phoenix (6)
- Most Consecutive WNBA Finals Appearances: Houston (4 from 1997-2000)
- Teams With Most WNBA Championships: Houston, Minnesota, Seattle (4)
- Player With Most WNBA Championships: Rebekkah Brunson (5), 10 others (4)
- Most WNBA Finals Points in History: Maya Moore (441 in 25 games)
- Most Points in One WNBA Finals Game: Angel McCoughtry (38 in 2011)
- Most WNBA Finals MVP Awards: Cynthia Cooper (4)
Every WNBA Finals Matchup and Finals MVP Winner
Year |
Matchup (Games) |
Finals MVP |
2025 |
Las Vegas def. Phoenix (4-0) |
A'ja Wilson |
2024 |
New York def. Minnesota (3-2) |
Jonquel Jones |
2023 |
Las Vegas def. New York (3-1) |
A'ja Wilson |
2022 |
Las Vegas def. Connecticut (3-1) |
Chelsea Gray |
2021 |
Chicago def. Phoenix (3-1) |
Kahleah Copper |
2020 |
Seattle def. Las Vegas (3-0) |
Breanna Stewart |
2019 |
Washington def. Connecticut (3-2) |
Emma Meesseman |
2018 |
Seattle def. Washington (3-0) |
Breanna Stewart |
2017 |
Minnesota def. Los Angeles (3-2) |
Sylvia Fowles |
2016 |
Los Angeles def. Minnesota (3-2) |
Candace Parker |
2015 |
Minnesota def. Indiana (3-2) |
Sylvia Fowles |
2014 |
Phoenix def. Chicago (3-0) |
Diana Taurasi |
2013 |
Minnesota def. Atlanta (3-0) |
Maya Moore |
2012 |
Indiana def. Minnesota (3-1) |
Tamika Catchings |
2011 |
Minnesota def. Atlanta (3-0) |
Seimone Augustus |
2010 |
Seattle def. Atlanta (3-0) |
Lauren Jackson |
2009 |
Phoenix def. Indiana (3-2) |
Diana Taurasi |
2008 |
Detroit def. San Antonio (3-0) |
Katie Smith |
2007 |
Phoenix def. Detroit (3-2) |
Cappie Pondexter |
2006 |
Detroit def. Sacramento (3-2) |
Deanna Nolan |
2005 |
Sacramento def. Connecticut (3-1) |
Yolanda Griffith |
2004 |
Seattle def. Connecticut (2-1) |
Betty Lennox |
2003 |
Detroit def. Los Angeles (2-1) |
Ruth Riley |
2002 |
Los Angeles def. New York (2-0) |
Lisa Leslie |
2001 |
Los Angeles def. Charlotte (2-0) |
Lisa Leslie |
2000 |
Houston def. New York (2-0) |
Cynthia Cooper |
1999 |
Houston def. New York (2-1) |
Cynthia Cooper |
1998 |
Houston def. Phoenix (2-1) |
Cynthia Cooper |
1997 |
Houston def. New York (1-0) |
Cynthia Cooper |
