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5h ago

Liberty and Sparks Reunite for WNBA 30th Anniversary in Los Angeles

The matchup highlights the league’s shift to higher pay, bigger broadcast revenue, multi‑year expansion plans.

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Image
Deadspin.com
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks goes up for the opening tip off against the New York Liberty in the WNBA Season Opener at the Great Western Forum on June 21, 1997 in Inglewood, California, Image 2 shows Rebecca Lobo #50 of the New York Liberty walks off the court after defeating the Los Angeles Sparks at the Great Western Forum on June 21, 1997 in Los Angeles, California, Image 3 shows A WNBA referee (C) explains the rules of the game to Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie (R) and New York Liberty player Trena Trice (L)

Overview

  • The anniversary game is scheduled for Sunday night, June 21, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena with tipoff at 8 p.m. ET and live coverage on ESPN and Disney+.
  • This season’s coverage is focused on recent league deals that change the business of the sport, including a new collective bargaining agreement, a reported $3.1 billion TV rights contract, and announced plans to expand the regular season and add teams through 2030.
  • On the court the Liberty are looking to rebound after a surprise loss that snapped an eight‑game winning streak, while the Sparks enter with questions about roster availability for key players such as Kelsey Plum and the absent Cameron Brink.
  • The WNBA’s commercial growth shows in rising player pay and franchise values, and the league is testing roster changes like two developmental spots per team that let young players appear in up to 12 games.
  • The game traces back to the league’s June 21, 1997, debut at the Great Western Forum and the pressure placed on pioneers like Lisa Leslie and Rebecca Lobo to prove the WNBA could survive and grow.