The Utah Starzz history highlights the beginnings of one of the original WNBA teams. Founded in 1997, the team played in Salt Lake City before later relocating. Known for passionate fans and talented athletes, the Utah Starzz WNBA era laid the foundation for future success and left a lasting mark on women’s professional basketball.
Established
1997
City
Salt Lake City – San Antonio – Las Vegas
League History
1997 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2018 – Present / Las Vegas Aces
2014 – 2017 / San Antonio Stars
2002 – 2013 / San Antonio Silver Stars
1997 – 2002 / Utah Starzz
Nickname
Starzz – As a sports fan, you may be familiar with the Utah Starzz of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). But do you know where their nickname comes from? The name “Starzz” has an interesting origin story rooted in basketball and astronomy.
Utah Starzz Origin
When the team was first established as part of WNBA expansion in 1997, they were known as the Utah Starzz—a nod to their home state's connection to space exploration. This made sense given that nearby Salt Lake City houses several major astronomical research facilities, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Brigham Young University and The University of Utah Astronomy Department. In addition, many people associate stars with success or excellence – something all teams aspire for!
The logo also reflects this theme: it features three stars arranged into a triangle shape which represent each player on a basketball court working together towards victory; while also paying homage to Salt Lake City’s position among other celestial cities such as Los Angeles and Phoenix who are represented by star-shaped logos too! Finally, when viewed from above, these three points form an even larger star—a symbol of hope within our community here in Utah.
So next time you cheer on your favorite team - whether professional or amateur - take some time to appreciate how much thought went into creating its unique identity! Who knows what kind of inspiration lies behind those creative nicknames we often hear?
Championship
WNBA Championships 0
Arena
2018 – Present / Mandalay Bay Events Center
*San Antonio*
2003 – 2017 / AT&T Center
*Salt Lake City*
1997 – 2002 / Delta Center
Owner
2018 – Present / MGM Resorts International
2003 – 2017 / Peter Holt
1997 – 2002 / Larry H. Miller
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
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Starzz Team Creation
One of the eight original WNBA teams, the Starzz, which was partially named after the old ABA team. Utah Jazz ownership was not interested in keeping the Starzz, and without new owners, the team would have folded. -
The Starzz draft Margo Dydek, the tallest player in WNBA history
In 1998: The Starzz draft Margo Dydek, the tallest player in WNBA history at 7 ft. 2 in., with the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft. They also draft Olympia Scott, LaTonya Johnson and Tricia Bader. They trade Lady Hardmon to Sacramento for Chantel Tremitiere and Karen Booker to Houston for Fran Harris. They improve slightly to an 8-22 ... -
The Starzz hired Fred Williams as their head coach
In 1999: The Starzz make some changes to their coaching staff, hiring Fred Williams as their head coach and Candi Harvey as their assistant coach. They also sign free agent Jennifer Azzi, a former Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion. They draft Natalie Williams, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former Utah native, with the third overall pick in the ... -
Utah Starzz first winning season in franchise history
In 2000: The Starzz continue to improve, finishing with an 18-14 record, their first winning season in franchise history. They make the playoffs for the first time as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They face the Los Angeles Sparks in the first round, but lose two games to none. Williams is named to the All-WNBA First Team for ... -
Utah Starzz make the playoffs for the second time
In 2001: The Starzz have another successful season, finishing with a 19-13 record, their best ever. They make the playoffs for the second time as the third seed in the Western Conference. They face the Sacramento Monarchs in the first round, but are swept two games to none. Williams is named to the All-WNBA Second Team -
Move to San Antonio
No local ownership was found, so in 2002, the Starzz announced their intentions to move out of Salt Lake City. On December 5, 2002, the Utah Starzz was bought by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, and it was announced that the Starzz would move immediately to San Antonio and change their nickname to the Silver Stars.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Utah Starzz History
The Utah Starzz history begins in 1997, when the team became one of the original eight franchises in the newly created WNBA. Playing in Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, the Utah Starzz WNBA franchise joined iconic teams like the Houston Comets and New York Liberty in laying the foundation for professional women’s basketball in the United States.
From 1998 to 2002, the Utah Starzz history included steady growth and playoff contention. Under head coach Candi Harvey, they reached the postseason three times and developed a loyal local following. The team was also notable for its international talent, including Margo Dydek, one of the tallest players in WNBA history, and Natalie Williams, who became a multiple-time All-Star. These signings helped raise the profile of the Utah Starzz WNBA franchise across the league.
After the 2002 season, the Utah Starzz history took a major turn. The team was sold to the San Antonio Spurs organization and relocated to Texas, becoming the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2003. Rather than folding, the franchise continued competing and eventually rebranded as the San Antonio Stars before moving again to Las Vegas in 2018, where it became the Las Vegas Aces. This evolution keeps the legacy of the Utah Starzz WNBA franchise alive under a new name and city.
Starzz Achievements
The Utah Starzz history features several milestones that helped shape early women’s professional basketball. They made the playoffs three times between 1998 and 2002, highlighted by their run to the 2002 Western Conference Finals. That season marked the team’s best finish in Salt Lake City and showcased the rise of players like Dydek and Williams who left a lasting impact on the league.
Beyond wins and losses, the Utah Starzz WNBA era played an essential role in growing the sport. They were pioneers in signing international stars, hosting major league events in Utah, and building a fan base that supported women’s basketball from its infancy. The influence of the Utah Starzz history lives on through the achievements of the Las Vegas Aces, who continue the competitive tradition the Starzz began in 1997.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history