The energy and noise was exciting and contagious. Within five minutes of being there, I was screaming right along with everyone else. When New York scored, I automatically popped out of my seat, yelling encouragement to the players. It was as exciting and action packed as a NBA game. Being in the stadium with so many screaming fans watching the WNBA game was an incredible experience.

That was my experience on July 1st 1999, at Madison Square Garden watching a WNBA game. The New York Liberty was playing the Phoenix Mercury. It was the first sporting event I attended in the Garden. When the league began, I was skeptical about its success, since I had encountered many people who opposed females in sports. I wasn't sure how the WNBA could thrive if there was so much opposition. But the enthusiastic support I saw at the game prove that women's basketball is equally as successful as men's basketball. Based on my experience at the WNBA game women’s basketball will definitely be around for a while. While I was in the audience I noticed that the stands were full of young girls. I believe that these are future WNBA players and it was wonderful to be in their company.

In the past couple of years, there have been some wonderful developments in women's basketball, but the WNBA has been the biggest. This isn't’t the first league of women basketball players, but it has received the most publicity. The first WNBA game was not so long ago -- June 21, 1997, and national support for women’s basketball has grown tremendously in the last two years since then. Sneaker endorsements (Sheryl Swoopes) and soda advertisements along with the growing crowd at games signals that the nation has plugged into female athletics.

And so, after envisioning myself at basketball games countless times, I finally went to one. The New York Liberty led throughout the entire game. By the end of the game I was a committed fan.

Ever since junior high school, I have been interested in basketball. I admired and respected the players on the junior high school team, and I wished that I could join them. Even though I wasn't a part of the team, I felt excited when they won and disappointed when they lost. I finally got the chance to play sports when I went to high school. I played on the basketball, softball, bowling and volleyball teams as a freshman, but of all the sports I played, basketball was the most exciting. I loved playing and I dedicated most of my time to the sport. Instead of watching it on television, I was playing and learning with the athletes of my age. Learning new skills and being part of a team were the best aspects of my basketball experience. When I was playing, it was never my intention to play basketball professionally, although I knew females who had that dream.

Other key dates in WNBA history:

• On October 23, 1996, Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Lisa Leslie were signed as the first WNBA players.

• On October 30, 1996, Charlotte, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Utah and Sacramento were chosen to be homes of the eight basketball teams in the league. The official names of the teams are the Charlotte Sting; Cleveland Rockers; Houston Comets; Los Angeles Sparks; New York Liberty; Phoenix Mercury; Utah Starzz; and Sacramento Monarchs.

• On February 27, 1997 the WNBA held an Elite draft for 16 signed veteran players.

• On April 28th 1997 the WNBA held a draft for college players and veterans who weren't’t signed. The first player to be signed was Tina Thompson from USC

• On June 21, 1997 the first WNBA season began.

Here is one enthusiastic viewpoint, but not everyone has the same opinion. Let’s check out some other viewpoints on the WNBA. Harlemlive asked people of varying ages what they thought about female athletes.

Faheem Abdur-Razzaaq

Age: 30

Occupation: Teacher

How do you feel about women playing basketball?

Good, I enjoy watching them play. They are just as good as the guys, even better. I have even played with women.

Do you think the WNBA will be as successful as the NBA? Why?

Yes. They have a lot of talent and the games are exciting. I like that the WNBA season starts just as the NBA season is winding down, the games don't clash. I think they would be more successful if they stepped up advertising. They should be endorsed more.

Have you seen girls in your neighborhood playing basketball or the WNBA games?

Yes, I've played with them. I watch WNBA frequently anytime I have free, and I enjoy the games.

Do you think the WNBA will produce as much money as the NBA?

Depends on the advertising. I know that the audience for the WNBA is increasing they should be making more money. They should do more advertising, to make more money, like the women's soccer advertisements. They should have more endorsements, like the [sneaker advertisements] NBA players. If they market the women more it will be just as successful. The way men look at athletic women is changing and that's good.

Do you think the WNBA play as well as the NBA?

They do play just as good. They don't dunk as much but they have the basic skills down. They execute their plays just as well and they are more team orientated. They don't show boat their skills like the men. They stick to team playing and their game is not about building egos. The feeling I get watching the women is the same when I watch the men.

Bernai Heastie

Age: 44

Occupation: Summer Youth monitor

How do you feel about women playing basketball?

It’s a good thing; it’s good for women to be athletic. Do you think the WNBA will; be as successful as the NBA? Why? Yes, eventually. It takes time, years of work to build; they are strong and determined. It’s also a nice change to have a summer league.

Have you seen girls in your neighborhood playing basketball or any of the WNBA games?

Yes to both questions. Sometimes they [the games] are slow, but I always enjoy the outcome.

Do you think the WNBA will produce as much money as the NBA?

Eventually, but not now. They need more publicity behind them.

Do you think the WNBA play as well as the NBA?

Yes, I’ll give them that.

Jihan Crihlow

Age: 15

Occupation: Student

How do you feel about women playing basketball?

[The WNBA] is a good opportunity for females to play professional

Do you think the WNBA will; be as successful as the NBA? Why?

Yes. There are fans that will support the players; it’s good motivation for them [the young girls].

Have you seen girls in your neighborhood playing basketball or any of the WNBA games?

Yes, I’ve seen girls playing, at the tournaments in Central Park. I’ve seen a WNBA game I think it was Liberty vs. Houston. It was interesting o see females playing professionally, they are good at it.

Do you think the WNBA will produce as much money as the NBA?

Depends on the ratings, if there are fans to support the games.

Do you think the WNBA play as well as the NBA?

Yes, neither of them is better than the other one. As long as they play their best and practice hard.