Women's basketball (as a zoned, single-dribble game) at the University of Oregon started as a club in 1899, brought to Oregon by physical education instructor Alice Chapman, wife of University President Charles Chapman.

[2] This effort was waylaid by the Oregon faculty athletic committee early in January 1903, however, with the committee deeming it "not advisable" for the "young ladies' basketball team" to enter into intercollegiate games.

[3] Instead, it was hoped that two campus teams could be organized to keep competition on a local level.

The program became official in 1973, the year following the passage of Title IX, which required federally supported universities to offer equal opportunities in men's and women's athletics.

They won the Women's National Invitation Tournament in 1989 over San Diego State, 67–64; and in 2002, with a 54–52 win over Houston.

Pac-10/12 Tournament Seeding Jane Spearing coached the first official season for the Ducks in 1973–74.

[6] From 2001 to 2009, former Oregon Ducks All-American Bev Smith coached the team, posting an 83–69 overall record.

In their first game in Matthew Knight, the women's team defeated Oregon State University in the "Civil War," 81–72.