In Super Squads, The Athletic follows the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces in their quests to win a WNBA championship. Our reporters will tell the stories of the players on two of the most star-studded teams in league history and examine how their paths shape the future of the WNBA.
Before Houston Comets games, coach Van Chancellor passed out Jolly Rancher hard candies to fans seated around the floor. More than 10,000 people, on average, showed up at their home contests between 1997-2000, when the franchise won four consecutive WNBA championships. Chancellor wanted to show his appreciation for those who cheered them on.
Over time, supporters might have developed a liking to the fruit-flavored treats. Another craving also formed: A desire to see winning basketball. And although from 1997–2000 and again in 2003, the Houston roster featured three future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers — Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Sheryl Swoopes — the Comets never evoked a nickname that has become part of the current WNBA season’s lexicon. Says Chancellor: “You can’t keep the team hungry calling them a super-team.”
Much has changed around the WNBA since its inception. Franchises like the Charlotte Sting and Cleveland Rockers have folded. Others, like the Atlanta Dream…
