Lisa Leslie Statue Unveiled, Celebrating Her Impact on Women's Basketball

Leslie, who made history as the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, led a groundbreaking career while with the Los Angeles Sparks. She championed female athleticism and paved the way for future stars like A’ja Wilson, the league’s only four-time MVP, and Angel Reese, both of whom have established their presence in mainstream culture.

Reflecting on her influence, Leslie expressed pride in the current state of the league and the opportunities afforded to female players. “I stamped my position in this game and carried it as far as I could,” Leslie stated in an interview with USA TODAY.

Having negotiated her own Nike deal shortly after her college career at USC, Leslie also became the first WNBA player to sign with a major modeling agency, Wilhelmina Models, in 1996. Her crossover success included acting roles in movies and television, as well as mentions in various hip-hop songs.

Leslie continues to mentor current players, being a guiding presence for both Wilson and Reese. Reese described Leslie as a “big sister” and credited her support, particularly during pivotal moments in her career.

Leslie, who played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2009, earned a maximum salary of $91,000 in 2006. Despite limited endorsement opportunities at the time, she recognizes the advances made by today's players, who enjoy lucrative deals and signature products.

The statue unveiling places Leslie among a select group of players honored in this manner. She joins Sue Bird, who received a statue from the Seattle Storm in 2025. "Lisa was not the cookie cutter image of what they wanted us as women of the WNBA to look like. She gave us the feel of, ‘Be yourself,’" Wilson noted, emphasizing Leslie's role in setting an example for authenticity and empowerment in women's sports.