**Sue Wicks Reflects on Three Decades of the WNBA: A Journey from Inception to Empowerment**
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As the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) celebrates its 30th anniversary, former star Sue Wicks takes a moment to reminisce about her pivotal role in the early days of the league. Known for her exceptional talent and dedication, Wicks was a prominent player for the New York Liberty, and her memories evoke the emotional landscape of a league that has grown and transformed remarkably since its inception.
Wicks’ journey with the WNBA began with the league’s official founding on April 24, 1996. The inaugural season kicked off on June 21, 1997, and for Wicks, playing her first game at Madison Square Garden was akin to a homecoming. After years abroad honing her skills, she was excited to don the Liberty jersey while representing her hometown.
Describing her first game back in the United States, Wicks recalled the powerful emotions that surged through her as she stood on the court, ready to play. “It was a very emotional experience,” she told PEOPLE. “I grew up a New York Knicks fan and then to be on the court with the national anthem playing — it was truly unforgettable.” Family in the stands only heightened the intensity of the moment, solidifying her deep connection to both the city and the game.
Every match during that inaugural season felt significant to Wicks and her fellow players. They understood the immense pressure they bore to ensure the league’s survival and promote women’s professional basketball. “We were keenly aware that we were part of something historic,” Wicks stated. “Our generation had seen leagues fold, and we were determined to succeed.” Players not only focused on their performances but actively sought to engage with fans, knowing their contributions were critical in fostering a robust following.
In those early years with the Liberty, the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric. Wicks vividly recalled the excitement among fans, remarking that attendance often reached 18,000. “After games, we would walk out and sign autographs,” she explained. “The support was incredible, and we had to build that relationship with our fans.”
Throughout her career, Wicks developed a nurturing relationship with the new generation of players. She expressed a mix of pride and admiration for their accomplishments, particularly as they secured significant victories in collective bargaining — advancements that would have seemed inconceivable three decades prior. “These athletes know their worth now,” she reflected. “They are demanding more rights and increased compensation, which is a marked evolution from our time.”
Wicks sees a cultural shift in America that has helped support women athletes and hopes it continues to strengthen. “It’s wonderful to see young female athletes celebrated and recognised as household names,” she remarked. This societal change, which elevates the status of women’s sports, is something Wicks deeply appreciates as someone who was part of the league’s formation.
With the Liberty’s recent triumph in the 2024 Championship, Wicks experienced a profound connection to the victory, feelings she had not anticipated. As a former player who had fought valiantly for championships during her own career, she was overcome with emotion. “I started crying during the game,” Wicks recalled. “Watching them win felt like a culmination of our collective journey. It was as if they were achieving this for everyone who paved the way.”
Wicks articulated the joy she felt from being part of the Liberty, saying, “That was the best time of my life. Getting to compete on the biggest stages against the best players was extraordinary.” Wicks expressed her gratitude that the league now exists, noting the hard work and dedication that went into building such a platform.
She concluded her reflection with optimism for the future of the WNBA. “I truly hope that the game continues to evolve,” she said. “Now that we have this momentum, it’s essential that it remains ingrained in our culture.”
As the WNBA embarks on its next chapter, the journey of Sue Wicks serves as both a reminder and an inspiration. The league is no longer just a vision; it has flourished into an influential force in sports and beyond, paving the way for countless female athletes. For Wicks, witnessing this transformation is nothing short of remarkable — a lasting legacy shaped by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to greatness.