Nancy Lieberman

Early Life and College Career:
Born: July 1, 1958, in New York City.
Lieberman attended Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia, where she played for the Lady Monarchs. During her college career, she was a standout player, leading ODU to two AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) national championships in 1980 and 1981.
She was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1980 and is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s college basketball.
Professional Career:
Women’s Professional Basketball: Lieberman played for various teams in the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), which was one of the first professional women’s basketball leagues, from 1979 to 1981.
She made history by joining the Dallas Diamonds in the WBL, where she became one of the league’s best players.
USA Basketball and International Career:
Lieberman also played for the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team, winning a silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. This was the first year women’s basketball was included in the Olympics.
She later became a key member of the U.S. Women’s National Team in the 1980s, helping lead them to a gold medal at the 1983 FIBA World Championship.
Post-Playing Career:
Lieberman became an advocate for women’s sports, eventually becoming a coach and a mentor. She became the first female head coach in the NBA Development League (now the NBA G League) when she coached the Sacramento Kings’ affiliate, the Sacramento Monarchs.
She also became an announcer and analyst for NBA games and has been involved in various community and sports outreach efforts.
BIG 3 (PLAYER)
Nancy Lieberman played in the BIG3 League, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by rapper Ice Cube, which features former NBA players and basketball legends. Lieberman made history by becoming one of the first female players in the league.

She joined the Power team for the inaugural season in 2017, playing alongside notable former NBA players like Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley. Lieberman, at the age of 59, became the oldest player to compete in the BIG3, showcasing her enduring skills and passion for basketball. Her participation in the league was a landmark moment in the history of women’s sports, as it helped to break barriers for women in men’s professional basketball leagues.

While her time in the BIG3 was relatively short, Lieberman’s involvement in the league remains a significant chapter in her legendary career.

BIG 3 (COACH)

Nancy Lieberman served as the head coach of the Power team in the BIG3 League. She made history by becoming the first female head coach in the league, which is made up of former NBA stars and basketball legends.

Under her leadership, Lieberman helped the Power team achieve success, and in the 2018 season, she led the team to a BIG3 championship. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as she became the first woman to coach a championship-winning team in the league.

Her coaching career in the BIG3 further solidified her legacy as a trailblazer in basketball, demonstrating her expertise and leadership abilities in a male-dominated league.

Nancy Lieberman has been inducted into four Hall of Fames:

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1996) (2010)- As a player, for her outstanding career in women’s basketball, both at the collegiate and international levels.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999) – As one of the greatest figures in the history of women’s basketball.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (1996) – Recognizing her achievements in the state of Virginia, where she played college basketball at Old Dominion University.

Old Dominion University Sports Hall of Fame – For her exceptional career and contributions as a player for the Lady Monarchs.

These inductions reflect her monumental impact on the sport of basketball, particularly in elevating women’s basketball to the level of recognition it enjoys today.