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[ChasingRatDogmaSalade]

On April 24, 1996, the National Basketball Association Board of Governors approved the concept of the Women’s National Basketball Association to begin play as a summer league in 1997.

“We think this is an idea whose time has come,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Fans have come to appreciate the excellence of women’s basketball, and we believe that significant network and sponsor opportunities exist to create a foundation on which to build a league.

“Today’s approval is only the first step in what will be an intensive, ongoing process,” continued Stern. “The new league, which we believe has the greatest chance for success in the summer when arena availability and television time are most plentiful, is dependent upon cable and over-the-air network arrangements.”