What happened: The WNBA marked the milestone of its inaugural season, recalling the atmosphere around the league's first-ever game in 1997. The retrospective framed the build-up and pre-game routine of that opening night as carrying the same intensity seen across the league today.

Why it matters: The 1997 debut launched what has become one of the most established professional women's sports leagues in the United States. Revisiting that opening night underscores how far the league has grown in profile, talent, and reach over nearly three decades.

What to watch: Expect more anniversary-themed retrospectives as the league continues celebrating its history through the 2026 season.