With the demise of the ABL, the WNBA can now claim it offers the best combination of women's basketball players in the world. And with the added talent, the league is expanding rapidly, with two expansion teams playing in 1999 and four to be added in 2000. But new teams and new players are just the beginning in a number of firsts for the WNBA. The first collective bargaining agreement has been signed, there are six teams with new coaches, another round has been added to the playoffs, the first All-Star Game will be held July 14. Will a new team claim the title from Houston?
Five things you need to know
Money Players
Toughest Players
CNN/SI's Full WNBA Coverage
Teams' schedules have increased from 30 games to 32 this season, and president Val Ackerman says the number of regular season games will continue to grow. Also 1999 features a conference heavy schedule, with teams playing 20 of their games against conference opponents.
1999 WNBA Schedule
|
|
The Houston Comets, who defeated Phoenix, celebrate winning the 1998 WNBA Championship.
Todd Warshaw/Allsport
|
