The rise of the WNBA has brought attention and success to women’s professional basketball, but many are unaware of the pioneers who laid the foundation for the current league. The Houston Angels, champions of the Women’s Professional Basketball League in 1978, were ahead of their time and contributed to the history of women’s athletics.
The Angels’ story is a reminder of the challenges faced by early women’s basketball players. The league struggled with financial issues and ultimately folded after three seasons. Despite the obstacles, the players of the WBL were trailblazers who paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
The players of the Houston Angels were not just athletes; they were teachers, salespeople, and students who took a chance on a new league. Many had played college basketball at top programs like Baylor, UNLV, and Tennessee. The WBL provided them with an opportunity to continue playing the sport they loved after graduation.
While the current success of the WNBA brings joy to former WBL players, they also feel a sense of being forgotten. They are proud of their role as pioneers but hope that their contributions to women’s basketball history will not be overlooked. As fans of the sport, we can appreciate the legacy of the Houston Angels and other early women’s basketball teams that helped shape the landscape of professional sports for women.