Chicago Bulls: The Complete History of One of the NBA’s Greatest Franchises The Chicago Bulls entered the National Basketball Association in the 1966-67 season and eventually became one of the most recognizable sports franchises in the world. Their history includes six NBA championships, the greatest championship run of the 1990s, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, three Rookie of the Year winners and six regular-season MVP awards. The Bulls began as an expansion franchise playing at the International Amphitheatre. Today, they call the United Center home. The Birth of the Chicago Bulls Chicago had previously been represented in professional basketball by teams such as the Chicago Stags and Chicago Packers/Zephyrs, but those franchises had disappeared or relocated. In 1966, Chicago was awarded another NBA franchise. The man who put the Bulls together was Dick Klein, a former Northwestern basketball player and businessman. Klein assembled the ownership group and became the franchise’s first owner and general manager. The Bulls immediately made NBA history. In their first season, Chicago went 33-48 and reached the playoffs. According to the United Center’s official history, the Bulls remain the only expansion franchise from that era to make the playoffs in its inaugural season. Head coach Johnny “Red” Kerr was also named NBA Coach of the Year. The new franchise was named the Bulls, reportedly because Klein wanted a name that represented Chicago’s meatpacking heritage. All Chicago Bulls Owners 1. Dick Klein — 1966-1972 Dick Klein was the founder and first owner of the Chicago Bulls. He was instrumental in bringing another NBA franchise to Chicago after the earlier professional teams had disappeared. Klein served as the organization’s first general manager as well as its principal owner. 2. Arthur Wirtz-led Ownership Group — 1972-1985 In 1972, the Bulls were purchased by an ownership group headed by Arthur Wirtz, whose business interests included the Chicago Blackhawks. The ownership group included prominent Chicago investors and sports figures, including members of the Wirtz, Crown and Hunt families. The Bulls remained under this ownership structure until 1985. A contemporary NBA franchise directory records the sale to the Jerry Reinsdorf-led group in 1985 for approximately $9.2 million. This period included the development of the first truly great Bulls teams, led by players such as Jerry Sloan, Bob Love and Norm Van Lier. 3. Jerry Reinsdorf — 1985-present Jerry Reinsdorf led the group that purchased controlling interest in the Bulls in 1985. Reinsdorf has remained the team’s principal owner and chairman ever since. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame lists him as Bulls owner from 1985 to the present and notes his six NBA championships as owner. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame The Reinsdorf era produced: Six NBA championships Six NBA Finals victories Five Michael Jordan MVP awards Derrick Rose’s MVP award Three Bulls Rookie of the Year winners The 72-10 1995-96 team The international rise of the Bulls brand The Bulls won their six championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998. Every Stadium and Arena the Bulls Have Called Home International Amphitheatre 1966-1967 The International Amphitheatre was the original home of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls began their NBA existence there during the 1966-67 season. Chicago Stadium 1967-1994 The Bulls moved to the historic Chicago Stadium after their inaugural season. Chicago Stadium became one of the most important buildings in Bulls history. It was the home of: Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Norm Van Lier, Artis Gilmore, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson. Most importantly, the first three Bulls championships were won while Chicago Stadium was the team’s home. The Bulls won the NBA championship there in: 1991 1992 1993 The United Center eventually replaced Chicago Stadium in 1994. United Center 1994-present The Bulls moved into the United Center in 1994. The arena was developed through a partnership involving Jerry Reinsdorf and the Wirtz family. Construction began in 1992, and the building opened in August 1994. The final three Bulls championships were won at the United Center: 1996 1997 1998 The United Center remains the home of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls became a serious NBA contender during the 1970s. The team was led by players including: Jerry Sloan Sloan was one of the toughest guards in NBA history and became one of the first great players associated with the Bulls. Bob Love Love was an outstanding scorer and one of Chicago’s most important players during the 1970s. Norm Van Lier Van Lier was known for his defense, toughness and leadership. Artis Gilmore Gilmore became one of the most dominant centers in franchise history. Gilmore was 7ft 2in tall and played for the ABA, Kentucky Colonels Chet Walker Walker joined the Bulls after already establishing himself as a star with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls captured the 1975 Midwest Division championship, their first division title. The Arrival of Michael Jordan Everything changed in 1984. The Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. Jordan immediately became one of the league’s biggest stars. He won Rookie of the Year in 1985 and eventually transformed the Bulls from a struggling franchise into the dominant team of the 1990s. NBA records Jordan’s five regular-season MVP awards with Chicago. Chicago Bulls NBA Rookie of the Year Winners The Bulls have had three NBA Rookie of the Year winners. Michael Jordan — 1984-85 Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game during his rookie season and became an All-Star. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year. His arrival marked the beginning of the greatest era in Bulls history. Elton Brand — 1999-2000 Chicago selected Elton Brand with the first overall pick in 1999. Brand… Continue reading Chicago Bulls: The Complete History
Tag: Defensive Player of the Year
Phoenix Mercury History: WNBA
Phoenix Mercury History: Owners, Championships, Stars, Drafts and the Greatest Moments The Phoenix Mercury are one of the original franchises of the WNBA and one of the league’s most successful teams. Founded in 1997, the Mercury have built their identity around fast-paced basketball, outstanding guards and some of the greatest players in WNBA history. Phoenix has won three WNBA championships — 2007, 2009 and 2014 — and has been home to players such as Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Penny Taylor, Cappie Pondexter, DeWanna Bonner and Michele Timms. The Beginning of the Phoenix Mercury The Mercury were one of the WNBA’s original eight franchises in 1997. The team was closely connected to the Phoenix Suns organization and was originally owned by Jerry Colangelo, who was also a central figure in bringing the WNBA to Phoenix. The Mercury’s first head coach and general manager was basketball legend Cheryl Miller. The original team featured Australian star Michele Timms, Jennifer Gillom and Bridget Pettis. Pettis became the franchise’s first draft selection. The decision to place a WNBA franchise in Phoenix was strongly supported by Colangelo. The Mercury’s own historical account describes him as the team’s president and owner during the league’s formation. Phoenix Mercury Owners The Mercury have had three principal ownership eras. Jerry Colangelo — 1997–2003 Jerry Colangelo was the original owner and one of the most important figures in establishing the Mercury. He helped make Phoenix one of the WNBA’s original franchises. Robert Sarver — 2004–2022 Robert Sarver became owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in 2004. His ownership lasted through the Mercury’s 2007, 2009 and 2014 championship eras. Mat Ishbia — 2023–present Mat Ishbia became owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in 2023. The Mercury’s current WNBA team page lists Ishbia as the franchise owner. Phoenix Mercury Home Arenas The Mercury have essentially had one home building throughout their existence, although the building has gone through numerous names. America West Arena 1997–2006 This was the Mercury’s original home. US Airways Center 2006–2015 The building changed its name from America West Arena to US Airways Center in 2006. Talking Stick Resort Arena 2015–2020 The arena received another naming-rights change in 2015. Phoenix Suns Arena 2020–2021 The building briefly carried the Phoenix Suns Arena name. Footprint Center 2021–2025 The arena became Footprint Center in 2021. PHX Arena / Mortgage Matchup Center era 2025–present The building has undergone another naming change, but it remains the Mercury’s home in downtown Phoenix. The franchise’s current WNBA page lists the arena as its home venue. Thus, although the name on the building has changed several times, the Mercury have remained in the same downtown Phoenix arena since the franchise began. The Three Mercury Championships 2007 — The First Championship The 2007 season changed the Mercury’s place in WNBA history. Led by Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter and Penny Taylor, Phoenix finished the regular season 23–11 and reached the Finals against the Detroit Shock. The Mercury lost the first game of the Finals but recovered to win the series 3–2. The deciding Game 5 was played in Detroit. Phoenix won 108–92, becoming the first WNBA team to win a championship-clinching game on the road. Cappie Pondexter was the 2007 Finals MVP, averaging 22.0 points and 5.6 assists during the series. 2007 Championship stars Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Penny Taylor, Tangela Smith, and Kelly Miller 2009 — The Second Championship The 2009 Mercury were one of the most explosive offensive teams in WNBA history. Phoenix finished 23–11 and faced the Indiana Fever in the Finals. The opening game was extraordinary: Phoenix defeated Indiana 120–116 in overtime, at the time the highest-scoring game in WNBA history. Indiana subsequently took a 2–1 series lead, but Phoenix won Game 4 on the road and returned home for Game 5. The Mercury won the deciding game 94–86, capturing their second championship. Diana Taurasi won both the WNBA MVP and Finals MVP awards in 2009. She averaged 20.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in the Finals. 2014 — The Third Championship The 2014 Mercury produced one of the greatest regular seasons in franchise history. Phoenix finished 29–5, then went through the playoffs and defeated the Chicago Sky 3–0 in the Finals. The championship was particularly notable because Phoenix had Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner at the center of its lineup. Griner won the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year award, while head coach Sandy Brondello was named Coach of the Year. Taurasi was the Finals MVP. Phoenix swept Chicago in the Finals, winning the franchise’s third championship. Mercury Award Winners Phoenix has produced an unusually large collection of major WNBA individual award winners. WNBA Most Valuable Player Diana Taurasi — 2009 Taurasi became the first and, to date, only Mercury player to win the regular-season WNBA MVP award while playing for Phoenix. She also won Finals MVP in 2009. WNBA Finals MVPs Cappie Pondexter — 2007 Pondexter led Phoenix to its first championship and averaged 22.0 points per game in the Finals. Diana Taurasi — 2009 Taurasi won Finals MVP while also winning the regular-season MVP. Diana Taurasi — 2014 Taurasi won her second Finals MVP after leading Phoenix to the championship. Rookie of the Year Diana Taurasi — 2004 Phoenix selected Taurasi first overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She immediately became one of the league’s leading players and was named Rookie of the Year. Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner — 2014 Brittney Griner — 2015 Griner won Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons. Her combination of size, mobility and shot-blocking transformed the Mercury defense. She eventually became the franchise’s all-time leader in blocked shots. Coach of the Year Sandy Brondello — 2014 Brondello led Phoenix to a remarkable 29–5 regular season and the WNBA championship. She was named Coach of the Year. Sixth Woman of the Year DeWanna Bonner — 2009 DeWanna Bonner — 2010 DeWanna Bonner — 2011 Bonner was an unusual and extremely valuable player because she could provide major scoring production coming off the bench. She… Continue reading Phoenix Mercury History: WNBA
Minnesota Lynx History:
The Minnesota Lynx have grown from a 1999 expansion franchise into one of the most successful organizations in WNBA history. Their story includes four WNBA championships, multiple league MVPs, a remarkable collection of WNBA championships, one of the longest coaching tenures in professional basketball, and a championship core that remained together for much of the 2010s. The Lynx were announced as a WNBA expansion franchise in April 1998 and began play in 1999. Their home throughout their history has been Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, with the exception of the 2020 COVID-19 season, when the entire WNBA season was played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The Beginning of the Minnesota Lynx Minnesota received a WNBA expansion franchise in 1998 along with the Orlando Miracle. The new Minnesota team was named the Lynx in December 1998. The franchise played its first game on June 12, 1999, defeating the Detroit Shock 68-51 at Target Center. Minnesota finished its first season 15-17. The early years were difficult. The Lynx went 15-17 again in 2000 and fell to 12-20 in 2001. After beginning the 2002 season 6-13, the team replaced original head coach Brian Agler with Heidi VanDerveer on an interim basis. The franchise began to change direction under Suzie McConnell Serio, who became head coach for the 2003 season. Minnesota made the playoffs in both 2003 and 2004, and McConnell Serio won the 2004 WNBA Coach of the Year Award. The Lynx were still searching for the formula that would eventually make them a championship team. That formula arrived in stages. Lynx Ownership History Glen Taylor — 1999-2025 Glen Taylor was the original controlling owner associated with the Lynx. Taylor had purchased the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994 and operated the Lynx when the franchise began play in 1999. In October 2002, Taylor became the majority owner of the Lynx after the WNBA’s ownership structure changed. Taylor and his wife, Becky, remained associated with the franchise for more than two decades. During that period, the Lynx won all four of their WNBA championships. Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez — 2025-Present In June 2025, NBA approval was given for Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez to take control of the Timberwolves and Lynx from Taylor. For the Lynx, Rodriguez became the governor and Lore the alternate governor. The ownership change ended the Taylor era, which had lasted from the franchise’s beginnings through four championship seasons. Home Arenas Target Center — Minneapolis, Minnesota Target Center has been the Lynx’s primary home since the franchise began in 1999. The downtown Minneapolis arena opened in 1990 and is also home to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It underwent a major renovation in 2017. The Lynx won all four of their WNBA championships while playing their home games at Target Center. IMG Academy — Bradenton, Florida The 2020 season was the exception. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire WNBA season was moved to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Games were played without normal in-person attendance. The Lynx went 14-8 during the unusual 2020 season and reached the semifinals. After 2020, the Lynx returned to Target Center. The Lynx’s Four WNBA Championships 2011 — defeated Atlanta Dream, 3-0 2013 — defeated Atlanta Dream, 3-0 2015 — defeated Indiana Fever, 3-2 2017 — defeated Los Angeles Sparks, 3-2 The four championships franchises of the 2010s. The Lynx also reached the WNBA Finals in 2016, losing to the Los Angeles Sparks, and returned to the Finals in 2024, losing a five-game series to the New York Liberty. 2011: The First Championship The 2011 season changed the history of the franchise. Minnesota went 27-7, a dramatic 14-game improvement from 2010. Rookie Maya Moore joined Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson to form the foundation of the championship team. The Lynx swept Atlanta in the Finals. Seimone Augustus averaged 24.6 points per game in the Finals and won Finals MVP. Maya Moore was named Rookie of the Year. Cheryl Reeve was named Coach of the Year. 2013: Championship No. 2 Minnesota again swept Atlanta in the Finals. Maya Moore was named Finals MVP after averaging 20 points and six rebounds during the series. The 2013 team was particularly impressive defensively, holding Atlanta to an average of only 66.3 points per game in the Finals. 2015: Championship No. 3 The 2015 championship was different. Minnesota faced the Indiana Fever in a five-game Finals series. The Lynx won Game 5 at Target Center. Sylvia Fowles, acquired by Minnesota during the season in a trade with Chicago, became the difference-maker inside and was named Finals MVP. One of the most famous plays in franchise history also occurred earlier in the series. With Game 3 tied against Indiana, Maya Moore hit a three-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer to give Minnesota the victory. 2017: Championship No. 4 The 2017 Lynx finished 27-7 and returned to the Finals for a rematch with Los Angeles. Minnesota won Game 5 at home, 85-76, to capture its fourth championship. Sylvia Fowles was named both WNBA MVP and Finals MVP. The victory gave Minnesota its fourth championship and placed the franchise alongside the Houston Comets as the only teams at the time with four WNBA titles. Major WNBA Award Winners While With Minnesota The Lynx have produced an extraordinary collection of league award winners. WNBA Most Valuable Player Maya Moore — 2014 Moore became the first Lynx player to win the league MVP award in 2014. Sylvia Fowles — 2017 Fowles followed Moore three years later. She led Minnesota to a 27-7 record while winning both regular-season MVP and Finals MVP. WNBA Rookie of the Year … Continue reading Minnesota Lynx History:
New York Liberty WNBA History
New York Liberty WNBA History: From the Inaugural Season to a Championship The New York Liberty are one of the original franchises of the WNBA and one of the league’s most recognizable teams. The Liberty were one of eight charter franchises when the WNBA began in 1997. They reached the league’s first WNBA Finals that year and came painfully close to becoming the league’s first champion. For more than two decades, New York repeatedly came close but could not win the championship. That changed in 2024. Led by Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a dramatic five-game WNBA Finals to win the first championship in franchise history. Jones was named Finals MVP. The Liberty’s history includes Hall of Fame players, legendary coaches, heartbreaking Finals defeats, spectacular draft choices, major free-agent acquisitions and one of the most famous shots in WNBA history. The Birth of the New York Liberty The Liberty were selected as one of the WNBA’s eight original franchises on October 30, 1996. The first Liberty players were Rebecca Lobo and Teresa Weatherspoon, who were assigned to New York in the league’s first player allocation. The franchise then selected Kym Hampton and Vickie Johnson in the 1997 Elite Draft and Sue Wicks in the inaugural WNBA Draft. New York’s first head coach was Nancy Darsch. The Liberty played their first game on June 21, 1997, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 67–57. They finished their first season 17–11 and reached the inaugural WNBA Finals against the Houston Comets. The Liberty lost that championship game, but New York had immediately established itself as one of the league’s premier franchises. Liberty Owership History Because the WNBA originally operated largely through NBA-affiliated ownership, the Liberty’s ownership history is closely connected to the New York Knicks. 1997–2009: Cablevision The Liberty were originally operated by Cablevision, which owned the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden organization. Cablevision’s ownership era covered the Liberty’s formative years and the team’s first four WNBA Finals appearances. 2010–2019: Madison Square Garden Company After the corporate separation of Madison Square Garden from Cablevision, the Liberty came under the Madison Square Garden Company. MSG remained the team’s owner until the franchise was sold in 2019. 2019–Present: Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai On January 23, 2019, the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of the Liberty to an entity owned by Joe Tsai and his family. The Tsai family also became associated with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. The sale represented a major turning point for the Liberty organization. The Liberty are currently owned by Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai. Under their ownership, the Liberty moved permanently to Brooklyn, substantially increased organizational investment and eventually won the franchise’s first championship. Every Liberty Home Arena The Liberty have played in several different venues during their history. Madison Square Garden — 1997–2010 For much of their first 14 seasons, the Liberty played at Madison Square Garden. MSG was an enormous advantage for the franchise in its early years. The Liberty drew some of the largest crowds in the WNBA and developed a passionate New York fan base. The 1997 Liberty averaged 13,270 fans per home game. Radio City Music Hall — 2004 The Liberty played a special home game at Radio City Music Hall in 2004. It was one of the most unusual home venues in WNBA history. Arthur Ashe Stadium — 2008 The Liberty also played a game at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens in 2008. Prudential Center — 2011–2013 After leaving Madison Square Garden, the Liberty played home games at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This was an unusual period because the team remained known as New York Liberty while playing its home games outside New York City. Madison Square Garden — 2014–2017 The Liberty returned to Madison Square Garden for another period from 2014 through 2017. This gave the franchise another opportunity to play in the building that had been central to its identity since 1997. Westchester County Center — 2018–2019 The Liberty moved to the Westchester County Center in White Plains for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The smaller building was a dramatic contrast to Madison Square Garden. The Liberty played their final full season there in 2019, although they also played selected games at Barclays Center. IMG Academy — 2020 The 2020 season was played entirely at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, because the WNBA conducted the season in a single-site environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barclays Center — 2021–Present The Liberty moved permanently to Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning in 2021. The move returned the franchise to a major NBA-quality arena and placed the team in the same building as the Brooklyn Nets. The Tsai ownership group was instrumental in making the move happen. The Great Early Liberty Teams The Liberty immediately became a contender. 1997: The First WNBA Finals The Liberty went 17–11 and reached the first WNBA Finals. They lost to the Houston Comets. Nevertheless, reaching the championship game in the league’s first season established the Liberty as one of the WNBA’s founding powers. : The Great Early Liberty Teams The 1999 Liberty may be the most memorable team in franchise history before the championship era. New York went 18–14 and won its first Eastern Conference championship. The Liberty faced the Houston Comets in the WNBA Finals. New York lost the series 2–1. But Game 2 produced one of the most famous moments in WNBA history. With the Liberty trailing Houston, Teresa Weatherspoon launched a half-court shot at the buzzer. It went in. The Liberty won the game and forced a deciding third game. The WNBA’s own history describes it as… Continue reading New York Liberty WNBA History
Portland Fire WNBA History
The Fire have one of the most unusual histories in the WNBA. The original Portland Fire entered the league om 2000, played three seasons, never reached the playoffs, and ceased operations after the 2002 season. Yet the franchise produced a Rookie of the Year, developed several players who became important WNBA contributors, and finished its final season with a .500 record Then, 24 years after the original Fire disappeared, Portland returned to the WNBA. The new Portland Fire began play in 2026, bringing professional women’s basketball back to the Rose City under new ownership and with a new roster, coaching staff and organizational structure. The history of the Fire is therefore really two stories: the original 2000–2002 team and the reborn Portland Fire beginning in 2026. The Original Portland Fire The WNBA awarded Portland an expansion franchise for the 2000 season as the league expanded from 12 to 16 teams. The original Fire were affiliated with the Portland Trail Blazers and played their home games at the Rose Garden, now known as the Moda Center. The team was operated by the Portland Trail Blazers organization, with Paul Allen serving as chairman and owner of the Trail Blazers. At the time, WNBA teams operated under the league’s NBA ownership structure. When the WNBA reorganized its ownership system after the 2002 season, Allen declined to assume ownership of the Fire. Without an ownership group in place, the team ceased operations. The WNBA itself records that the Portland Trail Blazers organization elected not to assume ownership of the Fire in December 2002. This is an important part of the Fire story because the team’s disappearance was not the result of a championship drought or a dramatic collapse on the court. In fact, the Fire were improving when they disappeared. Portland Fire Owners Original Fire: 2000–2002 The principal ownership connection was: Paul Allen / Portland Trail Blazers organization The Fire were operated under the WNBA’s NBA-affiliated ownership model during their three seasons. Paul Allen was the chairman associated with the franchise. After the 2002 season, the Trail Blazers organization declined to take ownership of the team, and the Fire ceased operations. New Portland Fire: 2026–present Portland received a new WNBA expansion franchise on September 18, 2024. The new team is owned and operated by RAJ Sports, led by siblings Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. This is a completely new ownership group and franchise operation, although the team deliberately revived the Portland Fire name and honors the history of the original club. Home Stadiums The original Fire had one home arena. Rose Garden — 2000–2002 The original Portland Fire played at the Rose Garden, which opened in 1995. The Rose Garden was later renamed the Moda Center in 2013. The arena was therefore the home of the original Fire and is also the home of the revived Fire. Moda Center — 2026–present The new Portland Fire returned to the same building, now called the Moda Center. The City of Portland lists the Moda Center as a primary home of both the Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Fire. That gives the Fire an unusual connection between generations: the same building has hosted Portland’s WNBA team in both eras. The Three Seasons of the Original Fire. The original Fire finished: Season Record Western Conference Finish 2000 10–22 7th 2001 11–21 7th 2002 16–16 5th The overall record was 37–59. The team never made the playoffs. But the final season showed what the Fire might have become had the franchise continued. The 2002 team went 16–16 and finished fifth in the Western Conference. It was the best record in the original franchise’s short history. Unfortunately, that improvement came at exactly the wrong time. The team folded after the season. The Fire’s Coaches One of the most unusual facts about the original franchise is that it had only one head coach. Linda Hargrove — 2000–2002 Hargrove coached all three seasons and also served as general manager. Her records were: 2000: 10–22 2001: 11–21 2002: 16–16 Her overall regular-season record was 37–59. Although Hargrove never had the opportunity to coach the Fire into the playoffs, the 2002 season suggested that her team was finally becoming competitive. Alex Sarama — 2026–present The revived Portland Fire hired Alex Sarama as its first head coach. The new Fire entered the WNBA in 2026 as an expansion team. The organization also brought in former WNBA star Sylvia Fowles as an assistant coach, creating an interesting historical connection because Fowles is part of a new generation of WNBA legends helping establish Portland’s second-era franchise. The Fire’s Award Winners The original Fire had one major WNBA individual award winner. Jackie Stiles — 2001 Rookie of the Year Portland selected Jackie Stiles with the fourth overall pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft. She immediately became the face of the franchise. Stiles averaged 14.9 points per game, started all 32 games and led Portland in scoring. She received 32 of 60 votes for Rookie of the Year, defeating Seattle’s No. 1 overall pick Lauren Jackson, who received 20 votes. Stiles also shot 43.1 percent from three-point range, an outstanding percentage for a rookie in that era. Other major awards The original Fire had: WNBA MVP: Jackie Stiles, 2001 WNBA MVP: None Defensive Player of the Year: None Coach of the Year: None WNBA Finals MVP: None Sixth Player of the Year: None The franchise never had an MVP winner. WNBA MVP Winners Who Played for the Fire There is an important distinction here. No player won the WNBA MVP award while playing for the Portland Fire. The original Fire lasted only three seasons, and none of its players received the league’s regular-season MVP award. That makes Jackie Stiles’ 2001 Rookie of the Year award even more important to the franchise’s individual-award history. The Best Portland Fire Draft 2001 — The Jackie Stiles Draft The 2001 draft was easily the most important draft in original Fire history. Portland selected: 1st round, No. 4 — Jackie Stiles… Continue reading Portland Fire WNBA History
Indiana Fever: A Complete History of One of the WNBA’s Most Resilient Franchises
The Indiana Fever entered the WNBA in 2000 as an expansion franchise, becoming one of the league’s most recognizable teams. From the championship years built around Tamika Catchings to the remarkable rise of Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, the Fever have gone through several distinct eras. As of the 2026 season, Indiana has won one WNBA championship, reached the WNBA Finals three times, captured three Eastern Conference championships, and won the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup. The Beginning: 2000 The Fever were created as an expansion franchise to play in Indianapolis alongside the Indiana Pacers. The organization was controlled by Herb Simon, who remains the team’s principal owner. Melvin Simon, Herb’s brother and fellow Pacers owner, was also listed as a Fever owner during the franchise’s early years until his death in 2009. The team began play in 2000 under head coach Anne Donovan, a future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. The inaugural Fever team went 9–23. Fever ownership Herb Simon — 2000–present Melvin Simon — 2000–2009, co-owner during the early years The Fever have remained part of the Simon/Pacers Sports & Entertainment ownership structure throughout their history. Home Courts Through the Years The Fever have essentially had one permanent basketball home, although the building has carried several names. 2000–2011: Conseco Fieldhouse The Fever began playing at the downtown Indianapolis arena that opened in 1999. 2011–2021: Bankers Life Fieldhouse The arena was renamed Bankers Life Fieldhouse in 2011. 2021–present: Gainbridge Fieldhouse The building became Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2021. The Fever played their first four home games of the 2021 season at Bankers Life Fieldhouse before moving the remainder of their home schedule to Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The 2020 season was played at IMG Academy in Florida because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, historically: Conseco Fieldhouse → Bankers Life Fieldhouse → Gainbridge Fieldhouse The arena itself has been the Fever’s Indianapolis home since the franchise began. The Coaches The Fever have had nine head coaches through the 2026 season: Coach Years Anne Donovan 2000 Nell Fortner 2001–2003 Brian Winters 2004–2007 Lin Dunn 2008–2014 Stephanie White 2015–2016 Pokey Chatman 2017–2019 Marianne Stanley 2020–2022 Carlos Knox 2022 Christie Sides 2023–2024 Stephanie White 2025–present Lin Dunn stands out historically because she coached Indiana to its first championship in 2012 and finished her Fever tenure with a 135–103 regular-season record and a 23–18 playoff record. Stephanie White is also important to Fever history. She coached Indiana to the 2015 WNBA Finals and later returned as head coach in 2025. Most notable coaches Lin Dunn — The championship coach and architect of the Fever’s great 2000s/early-2010s teams. Stephanie White — Led the Fever to the 2015 Finals and later returned to lead the franchise into its current era. Brian Winters — Helped transform Indiana from an expansion team into a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. The Tamika Catchings Era If one player can be identified with the first two decades of Fever basketball, it is Tamika Catchings. Indiana selected Catchings with the third overall pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft. She went on to spend her entire 14-year WNBA career with Indiana. Catchings won: 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year 2011 WNBA MVP 2012 WNBA Finals MVP Five Defensive Player of the Year awards 11 WNBA All-Star selections 12 All-WNBA selections 2012 WNBA championship Her five Defensive Player of the Year awards came in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2012. She remains the Fever’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals according to the franchise’s current records. Fever Award Winners WNBA MVP The Fever have had one WNBA regular-season MVP: Tamika Catchings — 2011 Catchings became Indiana’s first MVP after leading the Fever to a 21–13 record and the Eastern Conference’s top seed. She averaged 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals. Rookie of the Year The Fever have produced three WNBA Rookie of the Year winners: Tamika Catchings — 2002 Aliyah Boston — 2023 Caitlin Clark — 2024 Boston was a unanimous selection, receiving all 60 votes in 2023. Clark followed her the next season, receiving 66 of 67 votes. That gave Indiana consecutive Rookie of the Year winners — a remarkable achievement made even more notable because both were No. 1 overall picks. Defensive Player of the Year Tamika Catchings — 2005 Tamika Catchings — 2006 Tamika Catchings — 2009 Tamika Catchings — 2010 Tamika Catchings — 2012 Five DPOY awards remain one of the defining accomplishments of Catchings’ career. Most Improved Player Fever players have also been recognized for sportsmanship: Tully Bevilaqua — 2007 Tamika Catchings — 2010 Tamika Catchings — 2013, shared Tamika Catchings — 2016 Catchings’ combination of competitiveness and sportsmanship became a major part of her reputation. All-Star Game MVP Erica Wheeler — 2019 One of the great individual moments in Fever history came when undrafted guard Erica Wheeler exploded for 25 points in the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game. She became the first undrafted player to win All-Star Game MVP. Fever players made an Impact Away from the Floor Fever players have also made an Impact Away from the Floor. The team’s recipients include: Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award Tamika Catchings — 2008 and 2016 Natalie Achonwa — 2020 Kelsey Mitchell — 2023 Mitchell became the third Fever player to receive the award. The Fever’s Championship 2012 — Indiana Fever The Fever’s greatest team accomplishment… Continue reading Indiana Fever: A Complete History of One of the WNBA’s Most Resilient Franchises
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys to the Monsters of the Midway Few franchises in professional sports have a history as deep as the Chicago Bears. The Bears are one of the two remaining charter members of the NFL, tracing their roots to 1920. Before they became the Chicago Bears, they were the Decatur Staleys, an industrial football team sponsored by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The franchise moved to Chicago in 1921, changed its name to the Bears in 1922 and has been one of professional football’s most important organizations ever since. The Bears have won nine NFL championships, including the 1985 Super Bowl, and their history includes George Halas, Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester and many other Hall of Fame players. The franchise has also produced some of the most famous defenses in football history. The Birth of the Bears In 1920, the A.E. Staley Company of Decatur, Illinois, sponsored a football team. George Halas, who had experience as both a player and coach, became the team’s representative at the September 17, 1920 meeting in Canton, Ohio, where representatives of 11 other clubs helped form the American Professional Football Association, which became the National Football League in 1922. The franchise fee was only $100. The original team was the Decatur Staleys. In 1921, A.E. Staley gave Halas the team, $5,000 and permission to move the club to Chicago as long as it retained the Staleys name for one season. The move worked. The Chicago Staleys won the 1921 APFA championship. In January 1922, the franchise officially became the Chicago Bears. The Bears were born. George Halas: The Man Who Was the Bears It is almost impossible to tell the story of the Bears without telling the story of George “Papa Bear” Halas. Halas was: Player, Coach, Owner, General manager, Founder, Innovator, and NFL pioneer. He coached the Bears for 40 seasons, divided into four separate 10-year periods. His coaching record was an extraordinary 324-151-31, including playoffs. He led Chicago to six NFL championships as coach: 1921, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946 and 1963. Halas retired from coaching after the 1967 season. He remained the guiding force of the organization until his death in 1983. Few people in NFL history have had a greater influence on a franchise. Bears Ownership History One of the unusual things about the Chicago Bears is that the franchise has remained in the same family since its earliest days. A.E. Staley Company — 1920 The original Decatur Staleys were owned by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The company sponsored the team and employed many of its players. The Staleys’ financial problems helped lead to the decision to give George Halas control of the franchise and allow him to move it to Chicago. George Halas — 1920-1983 George Halas became the dominant owner and leader of the franchise. For more than six decades, the Bears were essentially his football kingdom. He was involved in virtually every aspect of the organization. The Pro Football Hall of Fame notes that almost all of the Bears’ successes from their beginning through 1983 can be attributed to Halas. Virginia Halas McCaskey — 1983-2025 After George Halas died in 1983, ownership passed to his daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey. She became one of the most important women in NFL history. McCaskey was born in 1923 and had literally grown up around the Bears. She had watched the franchise from the earliest days of professional football and eventually became its principal owner. She was the owner when the Bears won Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. McCaskey remained the team’s principal owner until her death on February 6, 2025, at age 102. She had been the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. The McCaskey Family — 2025-present After Virginia McCaskey’s death, the Bears remained a McCaskey family-owned franchise. Her grandson, George H. McCaskey, serves as Bears chairman and is the current principal owner/representative of the family’s ownership. The important point is that the Bears have never been sold to an outside ownership group in their modern history. The same family that began with George Halas continues to control the franchise more than a century later. Every Major Bears Home Stadium The Bears have played their home games in several locations during their long history. Staley Field — Decatur, Illinois 1920 This was the original home of the Decatur Staleys. It was a small facility with a capacity of approximately 1,500. The limitations of playing in Decatur were one reason Halas moved the team to Chicago. Cubs Park — Chicago 1921-1925 After moving to Chicago, the Staleys played at Cubs Park. The ballpark was later renamed Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field 1926-1970 Wrigley Field became the Bears’ home for half a century. The Bears played their final game there on December 13, 1970, defeating the Green Bay Packers 35-17. Wrigley was home to some of the greatest players in early Bears history including: Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, George McAfee, Bulldog Turner, Dick Butkus, and Gale Sayers. Soldier Field 1971-2001 The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971. The stadium became the permanent symbol of Bears football. It was the home of Walter Payton, the 1985 championship team and the legendary Bears defenses. Memorial Stadium — Champaign, Illinois 2002 … Continue reading Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
Las Vegas Aces History: From the Utah Starzz to a WNBA Dynasty
The Las Vegas Aces have one of the most unusual histories in professional basketball. Although the Aces did not arrive in Las Vegas until 2018, the franchise itself dates to the very first season of the WNBA in 1997. The organization began as the Utah Starzz, moved to San Antonio in 2003 and became the San Antonio Silver Stars, later shortened to the San Antonio Stars. In 2018, the franchise moved to Las Vegas and became the Aces. The move to Nevada transformed the franchise. After several decades of searching for sustained success, the Aces developed into one of the WNBA’s premier organizations, winning championships in 2022, 2023 and 2025. The 2022 championship was especially historic because it was the first major professional sports championship won by a team representing the state of Nevada. At the center of the modern Aces has been A’ja Wilson, who became the first player in WNBA history to win four regular-season MVP awards and has played a central role in all three Las Vegas championships. The Beginning: Utah Starzz, 1997-2002 The franchise was one of the WNBA’s original eight teams, beginning play in 1997 as the Utah Starzz. The original owner was Utah businessman Larry H. Miller, who also owned the NBA’s Utah Jazz. The Starzz played their home games in Salt Lake City, Utah The Jazz. struggled during their first several seasons, but eventually became a playoff team. The franchise’s first major draft success came in 1998 when Utah selected Margo Dydek with the No. 1 overall pick. At 7-foot-2, Dydek became the tallest player in WNBA history. The Starzz finally reached the playoffs in 2001. In 2002, they won their first playoff series, defeating the Houston Comets before losing to the eventual champion Los Angeles Sparks in the Western Conference Finals. The San Antonio Years, 2003-2017 After the 2002 season, the franchise moved to San Antonio and became the San Antonio Silver Stars. The team was owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, the organization associated with the San Antonio Spurs. The franchise later shortened its name to the San Antonio Stars in 2014. San Antonio produced some of the most important players in franchise history, including: Becky Hammon, Sophia Young, Kayla McBride, Danile Robinson, Margo Dydek, Kelsey Plum, Moriah Jefferson, Dearica Hamby, Danile Robinson, Margo Dydek, Kelsey Plum, Moriah Jefferson, Dearica Hamby The high point of the San Antonio era came in 2008, when the Silver Stars finished 24-10, the best record in the WNBA, and reached the WNBA Finals. They ultimately lost to the Detroit Shock. Becky Hammon became the face of the franchise during this period. She was a multiple-time All-Star and All-WNBA selection and eventually had her No. 25 retired by the organization. The Las Vegas Move In October 2017, the WNBA announced that MGM Resorts International had purchased the San Antonio Stars and would move the franchise to Las Vegas. The organization was renamed the Las Vegas Aces, and Bill Laimbeer became president of basketball operations and head coach. The Aces immediately received a major opportunity. They won the 2018 WNBA Draft Lottery and selected A’ja Wilson No. 1 overall. Wilson averaged 20.7 points and 8.0 rebounds as a rookie and won the 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. The following year, Las Vegas won the draft lottery again and selected Jackie Young No. 1 overall, giving the franchise three consecutive No. 1 overall selections dating back to the San Antonio era. That decision became one of the foundations of the championship team. Aces Ownership History Because this is a franchise history rather than simply a Las Vegas history, the ownership timeline includes the organization’s previous cities. Years Owner 1997-2002 Larry H. Miller — Utah Starzz 2003-2017 Spurs Sports & Entertainment / Peter Holt ownership — San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars 2017-2021 MGM Resorts International — San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces 2021-present Mark Davis — Las Vegas Aces MGM purchased the franchise in 2017 and moved it to Las Vegas. Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, purchased the Aces in 2021, with the transaction approved by the WNBA and NBA in February 2021. Davis’s ownership coincided with the beginning of the franchise’s championship era. Home Arenas Through the Years The Aces franchise has played in several different buildings. Utah Starzz Delta Center — Salt Lake City, Utah The Starzz played their home games in the same arena that housed the Utah Jazz. San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars AT&T Center — San Antonio, Texas The team played most of its San Antonio history at the arena that was also home to the Spurs. Freman Coliseum — San Antonio, Texas The Stars temporarily played their 2015 home games at Freeman Coliseum while renovations were taking place at AT&T Center. Las Vegas Aces Mandalay Bay Events Center — 2018-2021 The Aces began their Las Vegas existence playing at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Michelob ULTRA Arena — 2021-present The building was renamed Michelob ULTRA Arena in 2021. It remains the home of the Aces and is located at Mandalay Bay. The arena has a capacity of approximately 12,000 for basketball. The Aces have developed an especially strong home-court following in Las Vegas, including a long series of sellouts in recent seasons. Major Award Winners as Members of the Aces The modern Aces have produced an extraordinary collection of individual award winners. A’ja Wilson Wilson has won: 2018 Rookie of the Year 2020 MVP 2022 MVP 2022 Defensive Player of the Year 2023 Defensive Player of the Year 2023… Continue reading Las Vegas Aces History: From the Utah Starzz to a WNBA Dynasty
