‘Here we are 30 years later’: the Olympic team that transformed US basketball
Summary
The 1996 US women’s basketball team played a key role in changing women’s basketball in America. Their gold medal win at the Atlanta Olympics helped support the start of the WNBA, a professional women’s basketball league that just celebrated its 30th season.Key Facts
- The US women’s basketball team lost in the 1992 Olympics semi-finals before rebuilding for 1996.
- Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer led the team on a year-long international tour to prepare.
- Team members included Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Teresa Edwards among others.
- Winning gold in 1996 helped boost interest and support for the WNBA’s launch.
- The WNBA started soon after and marked its 30th season in 2024.
- The 1996 team will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with later WNBA stars and NBA figures.
- The team’s success inspired future generations and helped women’s professional sports grow.
- USA Basketball has won eight Olympic gold medals since 1996, showing a legacy of success.
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