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On this date in 1997, the Los Angeles Sparks earned their first victory in franchise history in a 20-point win over the Charlotte Sting.
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The historic event marked one of the first-ever WNBA games — with the league’s inaugural matchup taking place four days earlier, when the Sparks hosted the New York Liberty on June 21, 1997.
On this date in 1997, the Sparks earned their first win in franchise history with a 20-point victory over the Charlotte Sting.
Victory Vault presented by @albertapp. pic.twitter.com/upWlJUp88o
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 25, 2025
Both contests mark revolutionary WNBA events over the course of modern professional sports — moments that paved the way for future success today.
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“I was an older player — had already done eight years overseas — and coming back to all this. I felt like a rock star, and hadn’t even played a game yet,” Penny Toler said on her feelings prior to Los Angeles’ 1997 WNBA opener, she told ESPN. “I might have only slept two or three hours the night before [the Liberty game, because of the excitement.
Contrary to popular belief, the girls been balling!
On this day in 1997, the WNBA began its first season. The inaugural WNBA game featured the New York Liberty facing the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles. The Liberty defeated the Sparks 67–57.
Over 14,284 viewed this historic… pic.twitter.com/Je4aytprfr
— BET (@BET) June 21, 2025
“I was just hoping not to be tired at tipoff,” she added. “But I think my energy came on because I knew something incredible was happening right now.”
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New York won the low-scoring game, 67-57, in front of 14,284 Los Angeles fans. Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie poured in 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Sparks.
The Liberty and sparks shot over 43 and 30 percent from the field, respectively. The two teams combined for 44 turnovers in the defensive-heavy matchup.
More Sparks news:
A’ja Wilson Speaks Out on Losing Kelsey Plum to Sparks
Sparks’ Kelsey Plum Reacts to Georgia Amoore’s ACL Injury
International Legend Reveals Reason For Rejoining LA
Sparks Waive Two Players Ahead of 2025 Season
Sparks’ Cameron Brink Revisits Feeling After Tearing ACL
For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Sparks, visit Los Angeles Sparks on SI.
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