For the first time in the history of the WNBA, the champions will not be defending their title. Phoenix Mercury have not even made the play-offs.

Since the beginning of the competition in 1997 Houston Comets won four straight titles. The next three years they reached the first round play-offs and, after 2004, they reached 2005 Conference Finals, but they were eliminated in the first round in 2006. Since then (2007 and 2008) they have not appeared in the play-offs.

Los Angeles Sparks won successive titles in 2001 and 2002 and they reached the 2003 WNBA Finals. During 2004 and 2005 they just reached the first round, but in 2006 they were Conference Finalists. After a year without play-offs in 2007, they returned in 2008.

Detroit Shock, Seattle Storm and Sacramento Monarchs have all won the title and were able to defend the following year by reaching the play-offs. But Phoenix Mercury have failed to follow up their success of last season.

This year’s play-offs contenders are the same as in 2007 except for one. Detroit, Connecticut, New York and Indiana will play for the Eastern Conference title, and San Antonio, Seattle, Sacramento and Los Angeles - not Phoenix - will fight for the Western throne.

However, the renewal process of the WNBA, almost with the same rules as the NBA (drafts, salary cap etc) is ensured, and it can be seen through the improving performance of the following teams: