The Chicago Sky have traveled a remarkable road since becoming a WNBA expansion franchise in 2006. From their early years at the UIC Pavilion, through their seasons at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, and finally to their current home at Wintrust Arena, the Sky have developed from a new franchise searching for an identity into a WNBA championship organization. The Sky have produced some of the greatest players in women’s basketball, including Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, and Candace Parker They have also developed stars such as Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper and others who helped establish Chicago as an important destination in women’s professional basketball. The defining moment came in 2021, when the Sky captured their first WNBA championship. The Birth of the Chicago Sky Chicago was awarded a WNBA expansion franchise in February 2005, with the team beginning play during the 2006 season. The Sky were unusual from the beginning because they were independently owned rather than operated by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. Michael J. Alter was the lead investor in the group that brought professional women’s basketball back to Chicago. Margaret Stender became the franchise’s first employee and served as its founding president and CEO during its formative years. The name “Chicago Sky” was chosen to connect the franchise with Chicago’s famous skyline and architecture. The original identity featured sky blue and yellow, colors that became closely associated with the franchise. The team played its first season in 2006. The beginning was difficult. The inaugural Sky team won only five games, but the organization began building the foundation for a much more successful future. Chicago Sky Ownership Because the Sky began as an independently owned franchise, ownership has included a group of Chicago-area investors rather than a single traditional sports conglomerate. Michael J. Alter Michael J. Alter has been the principal owner and central figure in the franchise from its beginning. He led the investment group that established the Sky and remains principal owner today. Margaret Stender Margaret Stender was one of the original investors and served as the Sky’s founding president and CEO. The Sky’s current media guide continues to identify her as a minority owner. John W. Rogers Jr. John Rogers, founder of Ariel Investments, has been part of the Sky ownership group and is listed by the team as an owner. Harvey Alter Harvey Alter is also listed as an owner in the current Sky organization. Nadia Rawlinson Nadia Rawlinson joined the ownership group in 2023 and became co-owner and operating chairman. She remains in that position. Other Original Investors: The original ownership group was larger than the individuals normally identified as the team’s principal owners. Contemporary reporting has identified investors including Michelle Williams, Juanita Vanoy Jordan, Sue Wellington, Linda Friedman and Steven Rogers, among others. The complete original investor list was not publicly released. That is an important distinction: there is a difference between every original investor in the franchise and the individuals publicly identified as owners in the team’s official records. Every Arena the Chicago Sky Have Called Home The Sky have had three principal home arenas during their history. UIC Pavilion — 2006–2009 The UIC Pavilion was the Sky’s original home. The franchise played its inaugural season there in 2006 and remained at the University of Illinois Chicago facility through the 2009 season. This was where Chicago fans first watched the Sky become a WNBA franchise. Allstate Arena — 2010–2017 For the 2010 season, the Sky moved north to Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The move gave the Sky access to a much larger building, and the team remained there for eight seasons. The Sky reached the million-fan attendance milestone during their time at Allstate Arena. Wintrust Arena — 2018–Present The Sky returned to the city of Chicago in 2018 when they moved into Wintrust Arena at McCormick Square. The move was significant because the team once again had a permanent home inside Chicago proper. The Sky have played their home games at Wintrust Arena since 2018. Wintrust Arena also became the home court for the greatest achievement in franchise history: the 2021 WNBA championship season. The Early Years The Sky’s first several seasons were a period of building. The franchise went through several coaches and roster changes while attempting to establish itself. The early head coaches were Dave Cowens, Bo Overton and Steven Key. One of the first major building blocks arrived in the 2006 draft when Chicago selected Candice Dupree with the sixth overall pick. Another important early breakthrough came in 2007. Armintie Price Becomes Chicago’s First Rookie of the Year In the 2007 WNBA Draft, the Sky selected Armintie Price with the third overall pick. Price immediately made an impact. She became the 2007 WNBA Rookie of the Year, giving Chicago its first major individual league award. This was an important moment because the Sky were no longer simply an expansion franchise trying to survive. They were beginning to develop players capable of becoming major figures in the league. Elena Delle Donne Changes the Franchise The most important draft in Sky history came in 2013. Chicago selected Delaware star Elena Delle Donne with the second overall pick. She immediately became one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players. Delle Donne won the 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award as a member of the Sky. Two years later she reached an even greater level. 2015 WNBA MVP — Elena Delle Donne In 2015, Elena Delle Donne became the first Chicago Sky player to win the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award. This is an especially important distinction because Delle Donne won the award as a Sky player, rather than receiving an MVP award for accomplishments with another franchise. Delle Donne’s time in Chicago established her as one of the greatest players in franchise… Continue reading Chicago Sky: The History, Heroes and Legacy of Chicago’s WNBA Franchise
Tag: Kahleah Copper
Washington Mystics: Complete WNBA History
The Washington Mystics are one of the WNBA’s original franchises, beginning play in 1998 as part of the league’s second season. Based in Washington, D.C., the Mystics have experienced nearly every stage of a professional sports franchise’s development—from difficult expansion years and coaching turnover to superstar players, multiple WNBA Finals appearances and, ultimately, a championship. The franchise has been home to players such as Chamique Holdsclaw, Alana Beard, Crystal Langhorne, Elena Delle Donne, Emma Meesseman, Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins. Its greatest achievement came in 2019, when Washington defeated the Connecticut Sun in five games to win its first WNBA championship. As of the 2026 season, the Mystics remain one of the WNBA’s established franchises and are entering another period of rebuilding and development under head coach Sydney Johnson and general manager Jamila Wideman. The Birth of the Washington Mystics The Mystics were awarded to Washington before the 1998 season. The franchise was connected from the beginning with Washington’s NBA team, then the Washington Wizards, and the ownership of Abe Pollin. Washington’s first game was played during the inaugural season of the Mystics in 1998. Their first home games were played in the arena that opened as The franchise name “Mystics” was announced in December 1997. It fit with Washington’s existing “Wizards” identity and its magical theme. The early years were difficult. The Mystics went through several coaches and struggled to establish themselves as a winning team. One of the earliest major developments came when Washington obtained Nikki McCray, who had been an MVP in the rival American Basketball League. McCray became one of the early faces of the franchise. Washington Mystics Owners The Mystics have had two primary ownership eras 1. Abe Pollin and Washington Sports & Entertainment — 1998–2005 Abe Pollin, the longtime owner of Washington’s NBA franchise, was the original owner of the Mystics. Pollin and his wife, Irene, were major figures in Washington professional sports. Their organization brought the WNBA to Washington and operated the Mystics during the franchise’s first seven seasons. During this period, Washington played its home games at MCI Center, later renamed Verizon Center and eventually Capital One Arena. 2. Ted Leonsis and Monumental Sports & Entertainment — 2005–present In May 2005, Ted Leonsis and his Lincoln Holdings ownership group purchased the Mystics from Pollin’s Washington Sports & Entertainment organization. Sheila C. Johnson became an important part of the new ownership group and was named president, managing partner and governor of the Mystics. Contemporary reports described Johnson as the first Black woman to become an owner-partner of three professional sports franchises. Leonsis subsequently became the controlling owner of the broader Monumental Sports & Entertainment organization. Today, the Mystics are part of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, with Ted Leonsis continuing as controlling owner. Every Arena the Mystics Have Called Home The Mystics have had an interesting arena history because Washington has used both its large downtown arena and its smaller Southeast Washington facility. MCI Center — 1998–2006 The Mystics began playing at MCI Center in downtown Washington. The building opened in December 1997, just before the Mystics began their inaugural season. Washington’s first WNBA home games were played there. The Mystics also established an early attendance record at MCI Center when 20,674 fans watched Washington defeat the Utah Starzz in 1998. Verizon Center — 2006–2017 MCI Center was renamed Verizon Center in 2006. The Mystics continued to play there as their primary home. Capital One Arena — 2017–2018 and selected later games The building became Capital One Arena in 2017. The Mystics continued playing there before moving their primary home to Southeast Washington. The building has remained part of the franchise’s history, however, with selected Mystics games returning there in later seasons. EagleBank Arena — Fairfax, Virginia EagleBank Arena at George Mason University became an important secondary venue for the Mystics. Washington played there during the 2018 WNBA Finals because renovations prevented the team from using its normal downtown arena. The Mystics hosted the Finals at EagleBank Arena before the series concluded with Seattle winning the championship. The Mystics returned to EagleBank Arena for two regular-season games in 2025. Entertainment and Sports Arena — 2019–2025 The Mystics moved to the new Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast Washington in 2019. The 4,200-seat building became the franchise’s permanent home and provided the Mystics with a smaller basketball-specific environment. It immediately became part of Mystics history. , In October 2019, Washington defeated Connecticut in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals in front of its home fans to win the championship. CareFirst Arena — 2025–present The Entertainment and Sports Arena received a new naming-rights agreement in 2025 and became CareFirst Arena. The Mystics continue to use the building as their primary home. For the 2026 season, nearly all Washington home games are scheduled for CareFirst Arena, with the September 24 game against Chicago scheduled for Capital One Arena. CFG Bank Arena — Baltimore The Mystics expanded their regional schedule in 2025, playing two regular-season home games at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. The move was part of an effort to bring Mystics games to fans throughout the Washington-Baltimore region IMG Academy — Bradenton, Florida The COVID-19 pandemic produced one of the strangest seasons in WNBA history. The entire 2020 season was played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, without fans. Consequently, the Mystics did not play conventional home games in Washington that season. Every Mystics Head Coach The Mystics have had a remarkable number of head coaches over their history. Jim Lewis — 1998 Lewis was the franchise’s first head coach. He coached the first 18 games of the Mystics’ inaugural season .Cathy Parson — 1998 Parson took over during the 1998 season and finished Washington’s inaugural campaign. Nancy Darsch… Continue reading Washington Mystics: Complete WNBA History
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
