2019 Year in Review: A look back at the year’s 10 biggest women’s basketball stories

A new commissioner. Arena changes. The top college prospect’s team vs. the national team. A first-time champion.

The year 2019 brought us all of these things and many more.

While looking ahead to the future of what 2020 will bring to women’s basketball as well as the WNBA, one must not forget all of the happenings that made 2019 the year it was in women’s hoops.

There was so much that occurred that there had to even be a couple of honorable mentions in there as well. Trying to rank this list was about as difficult as it was for WNBA teams in 2019 to defeat the Washington Mystics.

But like Kia Nurse, Jewell Loyd or Diamond Deshields finding their way through defenders and putting the ball in the hoop, the objective was accomplished and it has produced these results:

First … let’s start with those mentions that barely made it out of the Top 10:

An “Eye” for women’s basketball

Prior to the start of the 2019 WNBA season, we had no idea the W had a surprise 11th hour television deal up its sleeve.

That is exactly what happened, though, when the WNBA announced right before the beginning of said season that it had inked a multi-year contract with CBS Sports, giving the W another television partner along with the ABC/ESPN family of networks as well as NBA TV.

Breaking news! 🚨

WNBA and @CBSSports announce multi-year television partnership! 📺

Full release: https://t.co/1vT27kwzPr pic.twitter.com/oqkKdSL4Wf

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 22, 2019

The contract began with the 2019 season where 40 games would be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The first WNBA contest CBS Sports Network broadcast was on May 25 when the Minnesota Lynx hosted the Chicago Sky at Target Center in a reunion of James Wade and Cheryl Reeve. Wade was an assistant of Reeve in Minnesota.

The Las Vegas Aces got eight appearances on CBS Sports Network with the Seattle Storm garnering six.

Riquna Williams and Natasha Howard

In the midst of another WNBA season that was honeycombed with twists and turns, two domestic violence cases cast clouds over a league that has notably taken the lead in addressing social issues, particularly those involving women’s rights.

One pertained to the Los Angeles Sparks’ Riquna Williams, who was alleged to have assaulted her ex-girlfriend at their South Florida residence. A report said she hit Alkeria Davis in the head and pulled her hair.

A report also said two men told local sheriff’s deputies that it took 10 minutes to break up a fight and that Williams reportedly grabbed a weapon, pointed it at someone and said “you’ll get all 18.”

Video statements from several involved in the case was obtained by High Post Hoops.

Then, the WNBA and Seattle Storm announced it was looking into domestic violence allegations leveled against Natasha Howard, who a few days earlier was voted into the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game.

Her wife alleged on Twitter detailed of what she said were proof of domestic violence and a number of other abusive acts she was involved in. There were also text exchanges with Storm brass, including her agent and Seattle general manager Alisha Valavanis.

Stars on the Sidelines

The 2019 WNBA season was one to remember, but it was also one that saw a number of its flagship stars not on the court for that season.

Diana Taurasi missed significant time. Maya Moore sat out the season to follow a new path as a criminal justice advocate. Sue Bird missed the entire season due to injury. Angel McCoughtry was also sidelined.

Skylar Diggins-Smith missed the entire 2019 season due to pregnancy, and she tweeted after the season was complete that she played the previous season with the Dallas Wings while she was pregnant. Her tweets were in response to what she felt was a lack of support from the Wings while she was going through her pregnancy stage.

Having no support from your own organization is unfortunate

— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) October 18, 2019

I played the ENTIRE season pregnant last year! All star, and led league (top 3-5) in MPG….didn’t tell a soul.

— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) October 19, 2019

People called me a quitter, said I gave up on my team, etc., etc.

Not knowing I took two FULL months away from everything because of postpartum depression. With limited resources to help me be successful mentally/physically.

But just wait though….KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY.

— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) October 19, 2019

Then there was what happened to Breanna Stewart with roughly a week to go before tip off of the 2019 season. While in a Euroleague game, she landed uncomfortably on the floor and was seen in severe pain. That injury turned out to be an Achilles tear which sidelined her for the entire ’19 campaign.

breanna stewart landed on brittney griners foot during the euroleague title game and looked in serious pain

not clear if it was ankle or knee but she was helped off the floor and put no weight on it pic.twitter.com/AO8ecTLtgJ

— #1 WNBA PODCAST (ON HIATUS) (@WEREONLIVE) April 14, 2019

Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart suffered a torn Achilles overseas in April.

Four months later, she’s running again 💪 (via @breannastewart) pic.twitter.com/FgQNXsCUr7

— espnW (@espnW) August 13, 2019

Incredibly even without their nucleus of Stewart and Bird, the Storm (while splitting their schedule between Alaska Airlines Arena at the University of Washington and Angel of the Winds Arena in suburban Everett because of renovations to the former KeyArena) still came within one game of the WNBA semifinals. With both returning and healthy, expect Seattle to be back at the top of the heap in 2020 with Washington, Connecticut, Las Vegas, and Chicago as well as the veteran-rich Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks.

Those were the stories that were just below our Top 10 cutline … As for those that did make the cut … without further adieu …

10) What happens in Vegas …

When Las Vegas was announced as the site of the 2019 All-Star Game at Lisa Borders’ final All-Star press conference in Minnesota, it was hailed as a capital decision by the W because anything in Sin City automatically becomes an event.

The issue with previous All-Star weekends staged by the WNBA is that they felt too much like standalone games as opposed to their NBA counterparts, who turn All-Star into an entire weekend’s worth of events.

There was All-Star Friday night, which included Diamond Deshields winning the All-Star skills challenge and Shekinna Stricklen defeating the Aces’ very own Kayla McBride to win the 3-point contest.

.@diamonddoesit1 gets her much-deserved hardware! 🏆

Congrats on winning the Skills Challenge at @ATT #WNBAAllStar Friday Night! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kKbS0RuWcM

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2019

MONEY 💰👌 @strick40 tallies 23 points in the final round of the @MountainDew 3-Point Contest at @ATT #WNBAAllStar Friday Night! #MtnDew3PT pic.twitter.com/l7SpTGYqNN

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2019

For the game itself, it would have been commonplace to think the MVP would be won by either Elena Delle Donne, A’ja Wilson (who was unable to play due to injury) or even Sylvia Fowles, Liz Cambage, Brittney Griner or Jonquel Jones.

That was before Erica Wheeler of the Indiana Fever (and Team Wilson) had other ideas.

From undrafted to #WNBAAllStar MVP.

We see you, @EWeezy_For3eezy! 👏 pic.twitter.com/4BoGs2GtBQ

— espnW (@espnW) July 27, 2019

Have yourself a GAME, @EWeezy_For3eezy! 🔥#WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/VZdIGegvRz

— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 27, 2019

Wheeler scored 25 off the bench, sent out seven assists and went seven for 13 from behind the arc in what was a 129-126 victory for Team Wilson over Team Delle Donne.

As memorable as her performance was, her postgame interview was every bit as memorable for the raw emotion that was on display. As the only undrafted participant in this year’s All-Star Game, Wheeler acknowledged the chip that was on her shoulder.

“My confidence was through the roof. I had a chip on my shoulder” @EWeezy_For3eezy relishes in the moment after winning the @ATT #WNBAAllStar MVP! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/P3893hyGC0

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2019

The emotions are felt even STRONGER in #PhantomCam ❤️@EWeezy_For3eezy is your @ATT #WNBAAllStar MVP! pic.twitter.com/K3qx5NqxF8

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 27, 2019

9) Hamby’s heave

Our No. 10 and No. 9 moments both have something in common – they occurred at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Except one put a midwestern team front and center on the WNBA’s bright spotlight. Another spoiled the postseason dreams of another midwestern team.

Leading 92-90 in a second-round elimination contest with the Aces, the Chicago Sky appeared poised to continue its breakout season by advancing to the WNBA’s semifinals. Only a few seconds remained that separated the Sky from said semis.

Then Dearica Hamby happened.

😱😱😱😱😱@dearicamarie | #DoubleDown pic.twitter.com/8C7ffrDhf9

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) September 15, 2019

Doing her best Teresa Weatherspoon impression, her made three from virtually halfcourt was what made the difference in the Aces’ 93-92 win over the Sky.

And while the Aces were eliminated by the eventual champion Mystics in the semifinals, that shot was unquestionably the shot of the season. In fact, it was even ranked on the WNBA’s own Twitter account as the top play of 2019.

If anyone noticed an uptick in the level of “salty” in and around the Windy City in late 2019, that is probably why.

💔

— Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) September 15, 2019

8) Winning at Life (and Justice)

A litany of speculation about the future of Maya Moore in 2019 concluded prior to the season when she wrote an article for The Players’ Tribune announcing her intent to sit out that season.

The 2018 season saw a Moore that looked to be on the decline and tired out from so much happening that year, including being front and center for the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game in Minnesota.

After winning four WNBA championships in the 2010s, it was understandable if she felt completely worn out by the rigors of basketball at the time.

Her focus has been primarily on criminal justice. She has particularly been active in the case involving Jonathan Irons. According to a site that is advocating for Irons’ release, he was arrested as a teenager in the late 1990s for a shooting in a burglary case in Jefferson City, Missouri.

To the nearly 75,000 people who have shown their support for our cause through our https://t.co/xJvy3qPPNH petition: thank you. Wednesday represented another step in Jonathan’s journey and we remain hopeful for what’s to come. pic.twitter.com/Dv0cAdjVws

— Maya Moore (@MooreMaya) October 15, 2019

Jonathan Irons has been unjustly imprisoned for over 22 years. Today in my home town, JUSTICE moved FORWARD at Jonathan’s Council Status Hearing. Thankful we are one major step closer to his freedom! Evidentiary Hearing to come…Let’s keep the prayers & Justice coming👊🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/dFayOhJqlG

— Maya Moore (@MooreMaya) May 13, 2019

So excited to be here in my city celebrating orgs that are about community development for ALL of its people! #BelovedBenefit #EconomicJustice https://t.co/a60kOW6HNY

— Maya Moore (@MooreMaya) March 22, 2019

The site mentions, among many other things, that none of the evidence was connected to him. She first heard about the case from her godparents, according to an article in The Players’ Tribune.

While some sites have selfishly inquired on if she plans to return to basketball, it is clear that if she has arrived at the next stage of her life after hoops, she believes she is fulfilling her primary purpose – and that is all that matters in life when all is said and done.

She wrote as much that her decision to sit out 2019 allowed her to get closer to her family and faith when she penned her original Players’ Tribune piece.

 

I will certainly miss the day-to-day relationships with my teammates and basketball family this season, but my no for the 2019 pro season allows me to say yes to my family and faith family like I never have before.

–Maya Moore (Players’ Tribune)

7) Fishing for Controversy

From the Lisa Leslie days to the Candace Parker days, the Los Angeles Sparks have been a consistent winner throughout the franchise’s history.

In sports, the only thing that seemingly is a constant is change. Players, coaches, executives come and go, but the Sparks have had a constant seemingly since the franchise’s birth.

That constant was Penny Toler, who scored the first WNBA basket and for a long time was the Los Angeles general manager. Throughout the Sparks’ history, they won three WNBA titles – 2001, 2002 and 2016 (the latest coming in the Brian Agler coaching era) with Parker and Nneka Ogwumike as its nucleus.

Then, controversy ensued after the 2018 season when Agler was unceremoniously let go from the Sparks. A team press release mentioned that the team would conduct an extensive search for the next coach, but that extensive search only had one person on Penny Toler’s wish list.

The WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks have hired Derek Fisher as head coach. (Via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/EZ6fUkfyI5

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 5, 2018

Derek Fisher, who did not have much success coaching the New York Knicks and notably once played for the Los Angeles Lakers, was that name. It was a controversial hire given Agler’s success and Fisher’s own off-court headlines.

In spite of everything, the Sparks still made the semifinals in 2019 before getting dominated by the Connecticut Sun. In a much-ballyhooed Ramona Shelburne article on ESPNW.com, it was revealed as to why Parker only played 11 minutes of a Game 3 when the Sparks were facing elimination.

Be prepared for a revealing piece on a West coast WNBA team to be dropped tomorrow, a source tells me.

— womenshoopsworld (@hoopism) September 29, 2019

The article mentioned that Fisher wanted to try something different for Game 3, but the article hinted that it may have gone back to a racial epithet-laced tirade from Toler to her players after Game 2 in Uncasville. Fisher and Parker also disagreed over strategy.

Toler herself admitted the tirade happened. The Los Angeles Times later reported the WNBA would open an investigation into what happened. Toler was later let go as Sparks general manager after a 20-year tenure with the team.

“It’s unfortunate I used that word. I shouldn’t. Nobody should”

Los Angeles Sparks general manager Penny Toler has been sacked after admitting she used “the N-word” in a locker room speech to players.

Full story
👉 https://t.co/00sdLEGRWx pic.twitter.com/KJ3yAFDCxU

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 5, 2019

As of today, Fisher is still the Sparks’ head coach.

6) Green and Golden

Amalie Arena in Tampa was the site of a thrilling national championship game between the Baylor Bears and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The crowd in Tampa was a sellout, so make sure to mention that to anyone who claims “no one” cares about women’s basketball or women’s sports in general.

Game-wise, it was Muffet McGraw’s Notre Dame team looking to repeat from its 2018 showing (and those buzzer-beaters from Arike Ogunbowale) against a Bears team that was in search of its third-ever national title.

When the scoreboard reached triple zeroes, Baylor prevailed by the slimmest of margins – 82-81 over the Irish.

THE BAYLOR LADY BEARS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! #NationalChampionship | @BaylorWBB pic.twitter.com/BSZoBZNwyq

— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) April 8, 2019

Lauren Cox talks with @SportSiren after the National Championship.#NationalChampionship | @BaylorWBB pic.twitter.com/jEzxTgCfEK

— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) April 8, 2019

Baylor built up a 17 point lead, but a gruesome knee injury to Lauren Cox in the contest’s latter half sidelined her for its remainder. The Irish trimmed down its deficit and erased it with Cox absent from the game.

With 17 seconds left, a pair of made layups from Notre Dame’s Jessica Shepard (now with the Minnesota Lynx) tied the game up at 80. Baylor’s Chloe Jackson had a screen set up for her and she drove to the hoop for the go-ahead basket, giving her Bears an 82-80 advantage.

Here’s Chloe Jackson’s go-ahead bucket to give Baylor the lead and seal the deal for the NCAA Championship pic.twitter.com/F789LUL9VI

— Lyndsey D’Arcangelo (@darcangel21) April 8, 2019

Ogunbowale was fouled with an opportunity to tie the game up at 82, but only made one of her two free throw tries. That first miss was the game and the championship for Baylor.

FINAL: The Defending National Champs come up one point short of going back-to-back. Senior Arike Ogunbowale leaves the court emotional after she misses one of her free throws in the final seconds of the game. Baylor 82-81 pic.twitter.com/0YLkTrqtYO

— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayWISH) April 8, 2019

For some reason after Baylor won, they visited the White House – where they were not exactly treated to a first-class meal deserving of champions. And one wonders if the players themselves were all that hyped about the visit as well.

Fast-food on the menu again at the White House as the Baylor Lady Bears visit

(via @BaylorWBB) pic.twitter.com/oH79IZJCgU

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 29, 2019

Let’s check in on the Baylor women to see how excited they are about visiting the White House. pic.twitter.com/zGp6hZ02zO

— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) April 29, 2019

We will decide, though, to remember the 2019 NCAA women’s basketball tournament as much for Baylor’s triumph as we will for Muffet McGraw’s press conference where she addressed the gross inequality there is in sports and outside.

PREACH MUFFET McGRAW pic.twitter.com/kAueU8RyVR

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 4, 2019

5) IonescUSA

All indications are that Sabrina Ionescu will be the WNBA’s next big thing when she enters the league after her senior season at Oregon.

Ionescu had an opportunity to enter last year’s draft where she would have certainly been the top overall pick, but wrote in a Players’ Tribune piece that she decided to return to Eugene for one last chance at winning a national championship with the Ducks.

Before she gets that chance when Oregon participates in this year’s tournament, USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team played a series of exhibition contests against college teams as it fine tunes itself for this year’s Olympics in Tokyo.

Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu from the logo in a win against Team USA!

🎥 @OregonWBB pic.twitter.com/Ybb7UIGiDZ

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 10, 2019

One of those exhibition games was against Ionescu and Oregon that saw 11,000 fans in attendance at Eugene. Nobody watches women’s sports? That’s a lot of nobodies.

A lot of nobodies that saw a thrilling game between the Ducks and the national team – one in which Oregon won by a final of 93-86.

And as one could guess, Ionescu was instrumental in the Ducks’ win. She scored 30 points that game – including 20 in the third quarter. It was only the second time since the late 1990s that a college team defeated the mighty Team USA. The other occasion was when Kara Lawson and Tamika Catchings wore Lady Vols orange.

Oregon’s goal was to stay within 20 points of Team USA.

“As the game continued to go on we kinda forgot who they were,” Ionescu.

— Sierra Webster (@WebsterSierraE) November 10, 2019

In addition, Nike made a cavalcade of Ionescu’s jerseys and they became a smash hit as they sold out within hours.

*Ionescu Nike jerseys sell out in one day*

$75.00 per jersey.

Imagine if women NCAA student-athletes could financially benefit off of their NIL during a time in their sport careers when they experience the highest levels of exposure… pic.twitter.com/isu2Ks48lB

— Lindsey Darvin, Ph.D. (@DrLindseyDarvin) November 13, 2019

Her star is one that is continuing to be on the rise and will only shine brighter than ever with the Liberty having the No. 1 overall pick. The WNBA’s flagship franchise appears to be moving to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center at exactly the right time.

A glimpse into the future?#wnbadraft #wnba #Winsidr #liberty #jerseyswap pic.twitter.com/M2YYsGsylq

— Winsidr (@TheWinsidr) September 28, 2019

4) Senator Kelly Loeffler

Even though the Angel McCoughtry-less Atlanta Dream had a less-than-memorable 2019 on the court, the Dream still made news in a number of other ways.

After several seasons at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion while State Farm Arena was undergoing renovations, the Dream returned to State Farm Arena for the 2019 season, but had lost its longtime television partner in Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Southeast.

The Dream signed a new deal with WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta for its games to be distributed via a variety of digital and online platforms. The team was actually paying the regional sports channel for its games to air prior to the new deal with the local outlet. After the 2019 season, the Dream announced a relocation to a new arena – the Gateway Center Arena for 2020.

🏀 ⛹️‍♀️ The @AtlantaDream and @WSBTV have announced a NEW multi-platform media deal that will feature Dream games being broadcast and streamed across WSB-TV platforms this season!

DETAILS – https://t.co/Kc1fVZ4avG pic.twitter.com/dyRdrSJxRy

— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) May 22, 2019

Come next WNBA season, the @AtlantaDream will have a new home in College Park.
The team announced Friday they would play their home games in the 2020 season in Gateway Center Arena.https://t.co/vyenzR3qzb pic.twitter.com/Mts2Yxkusg

— GPB News (@gpbnews) October 18, 2019

Gateway Center Arena is part of the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, is adjacent to the world’s busiest airport – Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and is also the home court of the G-League’s College Park Skyhawks. In addition, the Dream also unveiled a new logo that many compared to that of MLS’ Atlanta United, which has skyrocketed in popularity.

At the convergence of grit and grace, of perseverance and new beginnings.

The Atlanta Dream.

» https://t.co/19NFTjHTZV#OneCityOneDream pic.twitter.com/piI5QcroWM

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) October 18, 2019

But the biggest Dream news that occurred late in the year involved one of its owners. When Sen. Johnny Isakson announced he would be retiring due to health issues, it created an opening for someone to take his place.

Gov. Brian Kemp, who won a hotly-contested governor’s race with Stacey Abrams (who received the endorsement of former WNBA president Lisa Borders and who is now part of the WNBPA’s advocacy board) announced Loeffler as his pick to replace Isakson.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday appointed Atlanta businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to take over the seat of retiring Sen. Johnny Isakson. Kemp, a Republican, had been pressed by President Trump to appoint Rep. Doug Collins https://t.co/kIN8JRpyTX

— CNN (@CNN) December 4, 2019

This decision received a lot of backlash from Kemp’s right who believes he should have picked Doug Collins instead. Collins has been one of the president’s most ardent defenders – this had been on full display during the impeachment hearings and he currently represents Georgia’s ninth congressional district, which encompasses all of the northeastern part of the state. That includes his hometown of Gainesville and the northern half of Clarke County (Athens).

Collins’ allies have ripped Kemp and Loeffler for her WNBA connections – including to Abrams and to Planned Parenthood.

3) Queens of Kings County

To say that the last couple of seasons were trying years for the New York Liberty would be one of the biggest understatements in sports.

Ever since James Dolan and Madison Square Garden announced that the franchise was being put up for sale and moved away from the nucleus of its fanbase to Westchester County Center, it just was not the same in New York.

Welcome to Westchester, @nyliberty! https://t.co/wrm3a42rCx

— Westchester Knicks (@wcknicks) February 8, 2018

The two seasons that the Liberty called Westchester home (both years with Katie Smith as coach), the Liberty went a combined 17-51 and out of the playoffs on both occasions. Prior to the 2018 – New York’s first at the County Center, the Liberty had made 16 postseason appearances, signifying its status as one of the WNBA’s winningest franchises.

The No. 1 concern everyone had regarding the Liberty sale and move was if Dolan was going to sell the team to someone who would move them completely out of the New York market all together – such as a Joe Lacob who more than likely would love a WNBA team in the Bay Area given his previous status as owner of a women’s basketball franchise in San Jose.

Instead, it would be Joseph Tsai introducing himself to the W and vice versa as he was announced before the 2019 season as new owner of the Liberty.

Investment group led by Brooklyn Nets minority owner Joseph Tsai buys the New York Liberty. #WNBA

by @dougfeinberg: https://t.co/pI1QUIRC98 pic.twitter.com/beQwuMLQ8f

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) January 24, 2019

With the new announcement, the Liberty got a second wind. Tsai was already the minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets at the time. Since then, the Liberty now have a new television partner in YES Network, Tsai has gone on to become majority owner of both the Nets and Barclays Center, Smith was let go as head coach, the Liberty announced that Barclays Center will be the team’s full-time home court for 2020 and beyond.

YES Network becomes the official regional TV partner of WNBA’s @nyliberty.

MORE: https://t.co/C3qFTpMKAf pic.twitter.com/Ptc2AMgb2v

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 22, 2019

It’s true. The @YESNetwork is the official home of your #NYLiberty. For more information, go to https://t.co/d2zZqJ8h7K. pic.twitter.com/Cgjtl6dIoL

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 22, 2019

TONIGHT: Give me Liberty; give me YES. pic.twitter.com/m09qIbLm3K

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 24, 2019

Brooklyn, what’s good?! #BROOKLYNLOUD2020🗽 pic.twitter.com/YVJXoXO6p3

— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 17, 2019

And all indications are will be that the latest attraction heading to Broadway will happen in the form of Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu, who New York is slated to draft with the No. 1 overall pick.

2) Commish

Val Ackerman. Donna Orender. Laurel Richie. Lisa Borders.

What do these former leaders of the WNBA have in common? All held the title of “league president.”

When Lisa Borders stepped down from her post as WNBA league president after the 2018 season, it was widely expected that whoever would take her place would do the same thing.

She stepped down to take a job heading the Times Up organization, but Borders eventually resigned from that post as well. While she tweeted that it had to do with family issues, the Los Angeles Times reported the resignation was made a few days after sexual harassment allegations were made against her 36-year old son.

Mark Tatum served as interim president until a new person was found. That new person, eventually, was Cathy Engelbert, a former executive at the accounting firm Deloitte. Her tenure began a week prior to the All-Star Game in Las Vegas.

Breaking: Cathy Engelbert appointed Commissioner of WNBA

Read More:https://t.co/UDQA54Hao9

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2019

A message from Cathy Engelbert, the first-ever WNBA Commissioner 🗣 pic.twitter.com/Nbw7mW0MJW

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2019

She was lauded for her strong business acumen – something the WNBA sorely needs as it continues its growth into a more stable and robust sporting organization. Hopefully, this hire will be a long-term one as the previous four league presidents only served short periods before moving on to what can be seen as bigger and better jobs.

Now I have 11 alums currently in the WNBA! Congratulations to Cathy Englebert (Lehigh ‘86) on being named WNBA commissioner – great hire! pic.twitter.com/viHSiFEXgS

— Muffet McGraw (@MuffetMcGraw) May 15, 2019

Engelbert has a history with women’s basketball as well. She played for Lehigh University under Muffet McGraw, Notre Dame’s current head coach.

WNBPA Executive Committee Statement Regarding Hire of @CathyEngelbert as @WNBA Commissioner pic.twitter.com/9rWtpn83TF

— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) May 15, 2019

She was named one of Forbes’ most powerful women the last four years and was listed among Crain’s 50 Most Powerful Women in New York.

The W’s main office in Gotham got a fresh new face in Engelbert – and the WNBA itself got itself a fresh new coat of paint by debuting a brand new logo – one that we will see even more prominently in this first year of the brand new decade.

Make Way. Our Game. Our Way. The new VIBE of the #WNBA featuring @bigmamastef @imanitrishawn_ @T_Cloud4 and @Da20one pic.twitter.com/wR4pyXatfX

— WNBA (@WNBA) April 8, 2019

1) District of Champions

After the 2016 season, speculation was rampant that one of the WNBA’s best players in Elena Delle Donne was interested in leaving the Chicago Sky, the team that drafted her out of Delaware.

Her interest clearly was playing for a team that was closer to her native Delaware.

During the offseason between the 2016 and 2017 season, the Sky made it official by trading Delle Donne to the Mystics in exchange for Stefanie Dolson, Kaleah Copper and the No. 2 overall selection in the 2017 draft which became Alaina Coates out of South Carolina.

HUGE news for our @WashMystics fam! Welcome to DC, @De11eDonne!#A11DC pic.twitter.com/JTlOaNrnGf

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 2, 2017

That same offseason, they also signed one of the league’s premier 3-point shooters in Kristi Toliver, who played a key role in the Sparks’ 2016 title victory over the Minnesota Lynx that year. She was no stranger to the D.C. area as she led her alma mater, Maryland, to a national title in 2006.

She’s comin’ home! So excited to have you as part of the Mystics fam, @KristiToliver‼️ pic.twitter.com/swJ7ixAthZ

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) February 7, 2017

Washington also pulled off a third deal that sent Kia Vaughn and Bria Hartley to the Liberty.

That offseason was the beginning of the Mystics ascent to the W’s top class. Washington appeared in the semifinals in 2017 and the Finals the following year before getting swept by the Seattle Storm.

The objective for the Mystics in 2019 was obvious – win the franchise’s first championship. In 2019, Washington delivered.

CHAMPS 🏆#RanItBack #TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/p49ScR5jTO

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

The one accomplishment that had eluded Delle Donne her whole career – a WNBA title – was finally crossed off her wish list. It was also the first ring for coach Mike Thibault and it was ironic that it came against the Connecticut Sun – a team he previously coached. When all was said and done, it was Emma Meesseman who was rewarded with MVP honors.

In Game 5, she scored 22 points and went nine of 13 from the field along with three assists and two steals. The Mystics were +14 with Meesseman on the floor … coming off the bench.

Must-see 📺

Relive the back-and-forth action between the @WashMystics and @ConnecticutSun during the fourth quarter tonight! #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/GkM2C6Pg1h

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 11, 2019

The “Masked Avenger” @De11eDonne produced 21 PTS & 9 REB in Game 5 to help secure the @WashMystics title! 🙌#WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/B3O4dxX8Fd

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 11, 2019

.@EmmaMeesseman (22 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST) showed out today when it mattered most! 🔥 #WatchMeWork #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/BqBVjSL77y

— WNBA (@WNBA) October 11, 2019

YOUR WNBA FINALS MVP…EMMA MEESSEMAN! pic.twitter.com/1ulkiQ6Mvq

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

We danced. We balled. We smiled.

2019 had it all. pic.twitter.com/3w50StBDm7

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) October 11, 2019

To the best fans in the WNBA, thank you.

What a ride. pic.twitter.com/sNhr43beQE

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) October 11, 2019

The following day, the Mystics held a celebration at DC Entertainment and Sports Arena in lieu of a parade since many players were heading to their overseas teams. A parade is scheduled for early 2020.

THIS GROUP IS ABOUT TEAM. THIS GROUP IS ABOUT WINNING. pic.twitter.com/QK46OD28tZ

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

Founding Fans getting loud! pic.twitter.com/pN8xlrhQYK

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

You know we had to do the Stics Swag Surf 🏄‍♀‍ pic.twitter.com/Pn0sc4L6Co

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

Thank you Founding Fans‼️ pic.twitter.com/PsPzHBPRLL

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

👋 👋 THANK YOU 👋 👋 pic.twitter.com/7e7AH7NZac

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 11, 2019

2020?

With 2019 in the books, women’s hoops fans now ponder what does 2020 have in store?

What will be the result of the CBA negotiations between the league and the players union with all indications being that the two sides are close to ironing out a new agreement? The Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty will be in new arenas while the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury will play its first seasons in temporary homes while their primary arenas undergo renovations.

How will free agency work itself out with a number of big names such as Skylar Diggins-Smith and Angel McCoughtry waiting to sign new deals? Will we or won’t we see a return of Maya Moore? Will 2020 indeed be the final season of basketball for Liz Cambage?

Who will be the Liberty’s next coach with the latest reports hinting that the team is down to their final shortlist of three candidates? Can the Mystics follow up their 2019 championship with a repeat performance in 2020? It is almost certain that the two names we will hear first at the WNBA draft are Sabrina Ionescu and Lauren Cox, but who will be chosen after those first two picks?

Will we have another down-to-the-wire Rookie of the Year debate ala this past year with Arike Ogunbowale and Napheesa Collier? And let’s also not forget 2020 is an Olympic year.

See you in 2020 somewhere!