On June 21, 1997, the Great Western Forum in Inglewood hosted the WNBA’s inaugural clash between the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks. Lisa Leslie won the opening tip, Penny Toler scored the first basket, and the Liberty edged the Sparks 67‑57. The game drew 14,284 fans, including Magic Johnson, and set an early benchmark for the league.

The game reflected the league’s rushed birth. Players like Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, and Sheryl Swoopes had spent the previous year in modeling, acting, or Olympic hype, barely practicing. Their shooting percentages hovered around 30‑40%, and 44 turnovers plagued the contest. Still, the event drew NBC attention and proved that a national audience existed for women’s pro basketball.

Today the WNBA boasts eight teams and growing viewership, but that first night was a crucible. The Liberty’s 10‑point win and the Sparks’ gritty effort set the stage for a 30‑year legacy. Their performances also highlighted the need for better training programs in the league.