Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL)

The Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL) was the first major professional women’s basketball league in the United States, operating from 1978 to 1981. It aimed to provide women athletes a platform to compete at a professional level and gain visibility in sports. The league featured teams across various cities and included talented players, some of whom had played in college or for the national team. Despite its pioneering efforts, financial challenges and limited media coverage led to its decline after three seasons. The WPBL played a key role in paving the way for subsequent women’s professional basketball leagues and the growth of women’s sports.