Basketball · Interesting Facts
Chapter 10: Women's Basketball
10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 24 October 2026 · markdown
The women's game from Senda Berenson to Caitlin Clark: how it began, pioneer teams, records, firsts for players, college basketball, the WNBA, stars from around the world, great coaches, women in the NBA and the game in culture.
10.101How the Women's Game Began
Senda Berenson, the first college game, Clara Baer's rules and six-a-side girls' basketball.
Test 1the early women's gameTake a test
The limit kept any one player from running the whole game.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
She taught physical education at Smith for many years.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
Players also could not hold the ball for more than three seconds.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
Stanford won a low-scoring game 2-1.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
Only women were let in to watch the players.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
They are thought to be the first published rules of basketball for women.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
Three forwards stayed in one half and three guards in the other.
Source: Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (ighsau.org); Iowa PBS (iowapbs.org) · recall
1892, 1895 and 1896.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
1971, 1972 and 1982.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.org; ncaa.com); US Department of Education, Title IX (ed.gov); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com) · recall
Long black stockings completed the kit.
Source: Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu) · recall
10.102Barnstormers and Pioneer Teams
The Commercial Grads, the Flying Queens, a touring team of redheads and the first pro leagues.
Test 1pioneer women's teamsTake a test
They began as a team of graduates of a commercial high school in Edmonton.
Source: City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
The Grads won about 95 per cent of their games.
Source: City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
He coached the team for the whole of its 25-year life.
Source: City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
Claude Hutcherson lent them the planes of his flying service.
Source: Wayland Baptist University Athletics (wbuathletics.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com) · recall
Nashville Business College ended the run in 1958.
Source: Wayland Baptist University Athletics (wbuathletics.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com) · recall
White won many AAU titles in the 1950s and 1960s.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
The league played its first game in 1978 and lasted until 1981.
Source: Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA history archive (wnba.com) · recall
1915, 1953 and 1958.
Source: City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Wayland Baptist University Athletics (wbuathletics.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com) · recall
1978, 1996 and 2022.
Source: Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA history archive (wnba.com) · recall
From 1936 to 1986 they played men's sides under men's rules.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, All American Red Heads (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com) · recall
10.103Records in the Women's Game
Winning runs, scoring marks, the first WNBA basket, UConn's stars and a 105-point school game.
Test 1records in the women's gameTake a test
It began in November 2014.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
Morgan William's jump shot won the semi-final 66-64.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
The Sparks guard scored it against the New York Liberty.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
She also won two titles with Minnesota.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
She scored them for Dallas against New York.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
UConn won the title in each of her four college seasons.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
Plum set it in her last season at Washington.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
3,951, 3,527 and 3,393.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
1991-95, 2000-04 and 2012-16.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com) · recall
She played for Riverside Poly in California.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Cheryl Miller (hoophall.com); CIF Southern Section records (cifss.org) · recall
10.104Firsts for Women Players
An NBA draft pick, the first Olympic basket, a men's pro league, a contract and the first dunks.
Test 1firsts for women playersTake a test
She did not try out, as she was expecting a child.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
She scored it against Japan in Montreal.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
She scored 3,649 points there.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
She played for the Springfield Fame.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
It broke her own record as the league's oldest player.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
The league's commissioner cancelled the pick.
Source: Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (ighsau.org); Iowa PBS (iowapbs.org) · recall
She was the first woman to win the contest.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
1984, 2004 and 2006.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
1977, 1985 and 1986.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
The Indiana Pacers signed her; she was cut after the tryout.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com) · recall
10.105Women's College Basketball
The AIAW years, the first NCAA final, unbeaten seasons, quarters and a record TV audience.
Test 1women's college basketballTake a test
Sonja Hogg and Leon Barmore shared the coaching.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
C. Vivian Stringer coached the team.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
It held its first tournament in 1972.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
It won the first three titles.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
Their story was later made into a film.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
Before that, the women's college game was played in two halves.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
More people watched it than the men's final that year.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
1972, 1975 and 1979.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
1995, 2023 and 2024.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
Brittney Griner was the team's star centre.
Source: NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com) · recall
10.106WNBA Curiosities
The first game, a half-court shot, the first All-Star Game, teams that moved or folded and the first signature shoe.
Test 1WNBA curiositiesTake a test
New York won 67-57 in Los Angeles.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
Her shot tied the best-of-three series at one game each.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
The Monarchs had won the title in 2005.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
It was held at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
The Mohegan Tribe owns both the team and its arena.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
The others led the league after her; Engelbert became commissioner in 2019.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
The team moved again in 2016 and became the Dallas Wings.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
1997, 2003 and 2018.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
2003, 2004, 2007 and 2011.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com) · recall
She was also the first player the WNBA signed.
Source: Nike (nike.com); WNBA (wnba.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
10.107Stars From Around the World
Brazil, Australia, South Korea, Nigeria, Serbia, a Belgian Finals MVP and the tallest player.
Test 1women's stars from around the worldTake a test
She helped Washington win its first title.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and awards; Guinness World Records (guinnessworldrecords.com) · recall
They beat China in the final in Sydney.
Source: FIBA (fiba.basketball) results archive · recall
They beat Russia in the final in Brazil.
Source: FIBA (fiba.basketball) results archive · recall
The United States won the gold at home.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); FIBA (fiba.basketball) · recall
No African team, men or women, had got that far before.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); FIBA (fiba.basketball) · recall
She won the league's sportsmanship award in 1997.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and awards; Guinness World Records (guinnessworldrecords.com) · recall
The 2015 title was its first.
Source: FIBA (fiba.basketball) results archive · recall
1950, 1993 and 2001.
Source: FIBA (fiba.basketball) results archive · recall
1998, 2001 and 2011.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and awards; Guinness World Records (guinnessworldrecords.com) · recall
Utah took the Polish centre with the first pick of 1998.
Source: WNBA (wnba.com) history and awards; Guinness World Records (guinnessworldrecords.com) · recall
10.108Great Coaches of the Women's Game
VanDerveer, Auriemma, Stringer, Mulkey, Summitt, Laimbeer and Staley.
Test 1great coaches of the women's gameTake a test
She coached Stanford for 38 seasons.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
His family moved to Pennsylvania when he was seven.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
They were Cheyney State, Iowa and Rutgers.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
She won at Louisiana Tech, then at Baylor and LSU.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
She was co-captain of that first US Olympic women's team.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com) · recall
The titles came in 2003, 2006 and 2008.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
The US athletes chose her for the honour.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com) · recall
1974, 1995 and 2021.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
1984, 2012, 2021 and 2024.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com) · recall
Carol Blazejowski won the first one, in 1978.
Source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites · recall
10.109Women in the NBA
Coaches, referees, an owner, a front office first and a voice at the Finals.
Test 1women in the NBATake a test
She had just finished her WNBA playing career.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
She had not been picked for the US team.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com) · recall
Palmer later worked playoff games too.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
Her father had owned the club before her.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
She coached the Texas Legends.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
She had spent 19 seasons running a WNBA team.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
She called the games on ABC alongside Mike Breen.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
2009, 2014, 2019 and 2020.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
1999, 2008 and 2022.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
Her Spurs beat Phoenix 93-90 in the final.
Source: NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com) · recall
10.110The Women's Game in Culture
A magazine honour, a shoe deal, films, video games, a famous gesture and a hoodie.
Test 1the women's game in cultureTake a test
Her games drew record crowds and TV audiences.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
The deal was reported as the biggest for a women's basketball player.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
Jonathan Irons was freed in 2020, and the two later married.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
Nneka Ogwumike also played in the film's villain team.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
All twelve WNBA teams were added at once.
Source: 2K (2k.com) and WNBA (wnba.com) announcements · recall
Caitlin Clark had used the same gesture earlier in the tournament.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
It became a fashion item from 2019.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
1976, 1984 and 2021.
Source: International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com) · recall
2019, 2021 and 2024.
Source: Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com) · recall
Gina Prince-Bythewood wrote and directed it.
Source: Warner Bros. / New Line Cinema (warnerbros.com); American Film Institute catalog (afi.com) · recall
Sources
Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the NBA, FIBA, the EuroLeague, the NCAA, the WNBA, clubs' and universities' own histories, auction houses' published results and named reputable media.
- NCAA (ncaa.com; ncaa.org) championship records; Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); Nielsen figures as reported by ESPN (espn.com)10
- NCAA (ncaa.com); WNBA (wnba.com) stats and record book; UConn Athletics (uconnhuskies.com)9
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com)9
- WNBA (wnba.com) history and record book; team histories (wnba.com)9
- NBA (nba.com) and team announcements; WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com)9
- Smith College Archives (smith.edu); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Stanford Athletics (gostanford.com); Tulane University Special Collections (tulane.edu)8
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); NCAA (ncaa.com); university athletics sites7
- Time (time.com); Unrivaled (unrivaled.basketball); WNBA (wnba.com); ESPN (espn.com); Warner Bros. (warnerbros.com)7
- International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); USA Basketball (usab.com)5
- WNBA (wnba.com) history and awards; Guinness World Records (guinnessworldrecords.com)4
- FIBA (fiba.basketball) results archive4
- City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com)3
- Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (ighsau.org); Iowa PBS (iowapbs.org)2
- Wayland Baptist University Athletics (wbuathletics.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com)2
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com); WNBA history archive (wnba.com)2
- International Olympic Committee results (olympics.com); FIBA (fiba.basketball)2
- NCAA (ncaa.org; ncaa.com); US Department of Education, Title IX (ed.gov); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com)1
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com)1
- City of Edmonton Archives (edmonton.ca); Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (sportshall.ca); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com); Wayland Baptist University Athletics (wbuathletics.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com)1
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, All American Red Heads (hoophall.com); Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (wbhof.com)1
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Cheryl Miller (hoophall.com); CIF Southern Section records (cifss.org)1
- Nike (nike.com); WNBA (wnba.com); Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (hoophall.com)1
- 2K (2k.com) and WNBA (wnba.com) announcements1
- Warner Bros. / New Line Cinema (warnerbros.com); American Film Institute catalog (afi.com)1