In contrast to the ABL, WBA, and the WNBA before it, the NWBL was founded to govern a competitive amateur league for women.

Although the recruitment campaign was not without its problems (including the death of Nick Johnson, co-founder of the marketing firm behind the league), the NWBL enrolled four teams by November and held its first championship series in December 1997.

The first four teams in the newly formed league were the Atlanta Justice, the Birmingham Power, the Mobile Majesty and the Kansas City Legacy.

The league managed to finish its first season in April 2001 when the Atlanta Justice won the 1st NWBL Pro Cup.

Since 2001, the NWBL Pro League played host to such WNBA stars as Sheryl Swoopes, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Becky Hammon.