The Orlando Miracle history holds a unique place in women’s basketball. As part of the Orlando Miracle WNBA franchise founded in 1999, the team quickly showed promise. Although their time in Orlando was brief, the Miracle’s story reflects growth, challenges, and contributions that shaped the league’s early years and left a lasting impression.
Established
1999
City
Orlando – Connecticut
League History
1999 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2003 – Present / Connecticut Sun
1999 – 2002 / Orlando Miracle
Nickname
Miracle – If you’re a sports fan in Orlando, chances are you know all about the city's WNBA team: the Miracle. But do you know where their name came from?
The Miracle was founded in 1999, and it got its nickname from an essay contest held by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. The winning entry was submitted by Heather Taggart of Winter Park, Florida, who wrote “Miracle” because she felt that it embodied what women can accomplish when given a chance to compete on equal footing with men.
Orlando Miracle Origin
The name also pays homage to one of Central Florida’s most beloved attractions - Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom theme park outside downtown Orlando. The park opened its gates for business on October 1st, 1971, and has since become an iconic symbol for locals and visitors alike!
In addition to this connection, “miracle” also serves as a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds towards achieving it – something that resonates deeply with athletes everywhere, particularly those playing professional basketball at such high levels! This spirit has been evident throughout the history of this franchise; since joining forces with Shaquille O'Neal (who purchased a majority ownership stake) back in 2004, they have gone on three consecutive playoff appearances, including two conference finals berths, before finally capturing their first-ever championship title last season!
Championship
WNBA Championships 0
Arena
2003 – Present / Mohegan Sun Arena
*Orlando*
1999 – 2002 / TD Waterhouse Centre
Owner
2003 – Present / Mohegan Sun
1999 – 2002 / RDV Sports, Inc.
- 1998
- 2002
-
Miracle Team Creation
The Orlando Miracle joined the Women’s National Basketball Association as an expansion franchise for the league’s third season in the summer of 1999. At the time, all WNBA clubs were located in NBA markets and operated by NBA ownership groups. The DeVos family, owners of the NBA Orlando Magic, managed the Miracle, which shared similar colors, logos, and mystical name ... -
NBA Sold Off WNBA Franchises
After the 2002 WNBA season, the NBA sold off all of the WNBA franchises to the operators of the teams. Magic owner Rich DeVos was not interested in keeping the Miracle, and no local ownership group emerged. In January 2003, the Connecticut-based Mohegan Native American Tribe bought the team. The new owners moved the team to Uncasville, Connecticut, and changed the nickname to the Sun ...
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Orlando Miracle History
The Orlando Miracle history begins in 1999 when the franchise joined the Orlando Miracle WNBA lineup as part of the league’s expansion. The team was owned by RDV Sports, the same group behind the Orlando Magic, and played home games at TD Waterhouse Centre. Although their time in Orlando was brief, the Miracle left a strong mark on the WNBA.
In their first season, the Miracle finished with a 15–17 record under coach Carolyn Peck, who had just won an NCAA championship with Purdue. By 2000, the Orlando Miracle WNBA team reached the playoffs for the first time, led by standout players such as Nykesha Sales, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, and Shannon Johnson. Despite a hard-fought effort, they were eliminated by the Cleveland Rockers in the opening round.
The Orlando Miracle history took a major turn in 2002 when the WNBA restructured its ownership model. Unable to secure a new local owner, the franchise relocated to Connecticut in 2003, becoming the Connecticut Sun. This marked the end of the Orlando chapter but also the beginning of one of the league’s most successful teams in later years.
Miracle Achievements
While the Miracle did not capture a WNBA championship during their time in Florida, they achieved notable milestones. They made one playoff appearance in 2000 and consistently developed all-star level talent. Taj McWilliams-Franklin became a six-time WNBA All-Star during her career, and Nykesha Sales was a perennial scoring threat who later helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals.
The Orlando Miracle WNBA legacy lies in its contribution to the growth of women’s professional basketball in Florida. By bringing the league to Orlando, they inspired a new generation of fans and athletes. Their transition into the Connecticut Sun carried forward the talent and culture they built, proving that the Orlando Miracle history remains an essential part of the WNBA’s early era.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history