The story of Lusia Harris, the first woman officially drafted into the NBA, resonated deeply last year. But before Harris’s groundbreaking selection, another player stood on the precipice of shattering the NBA’s gender barrier: Ann Meyers. In the fall of 1979, the Indiana Pacers signed Meyers to a contract, igniting a national conversation about women in professional basketball and challenging the very definition of the game. While the experiment was short-lived, Ann Meyers’ attempt to break into the NBA remains a pivotal moment in sports history, a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering determination.
Born in 1955 in San Diego, California, Ann Elizabeth Meyers wasn’t just a basketball prodigy; she was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in a variety of disciplines. However, it was on the hardwood where her skills truly blossomed. She quickly rose to prominence, leading Sonora High School to national recognition. Her talent was undeniable, and she became the first collegiate-age player to earn a spot on the senior United States national team, competing in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. The Montreal Games were marked by political boycotts, but Meyers’ participation signaled a growing presence for women in international sports.
A Rising Star and a Historic Signing
Meyers’ collegiate career at UCLA was nothing short of spectacular. She received a full athletic scholarship – a first for a woman at the institution – and quickly established herself as a dominant force. Her name became nationally recognized, even landing her appearances in commercials alongside a fellow rising star in basketball, Magic Johnson. The commercial, featuring both Meyers and Johnson, symbolized a new era of basketball excitement.
In 1978, Meyers etched her name into the NCAA record books with the first-ever quadruple-double in college basketball history – regardless of gender – amassing 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals in a single game. She continued her success, leading UCLA to a world championship in 1979. It was in the wake of this triumph that the unexpected announcement came: on September 5, 1979, the Indiana Pacers signed Ann Meyers to a one-year contract for $50,000. The signing was presented with fanfare, a press conference held at a luxury hotel with the team’s owner and coach alongside Meyers, drawing a large crowd of reporters and cameras.
The Reality of a Pioneering Challenge
Despite the Pacers’ attempt to normalize the situation, the reality of a woman joining an all-male professional basketball team quickly became apparent. Meyers’ teammates were largely resistant to her presence. Forward Mike Bantom voiced his concerns publicly, stating, “This has been decided in Los Angeles. I don’t understand how something like this can assist us. If it’s about building a winning project, I don’t know how it’s possible to convince our fans that we’re serious.” Other NBA franchise owners echoed these sentiments, suggesting the move was primarily a marketing ploy.
Meyers, advised by her representatives, opted to let her play speak for itself. She understood the challenge ahead – a battle to prove her worth in a male-dominated arena. However, the physical disparities proved insurmountable. Despite her skill, intelligence, and foundational basketball knowledge, Meyers found herself consistently outmatched by the sheer size and strength of her teammates. As she herself acknowledged, “They are much more physically powerful than all the players I have faced. And a lot of the things I did against them I can’t do now.”
A Brief Experiment and a Lasting Legacy
After just three days of training camp, the Pacers made their decision. Ann Meyers would not make the squad. The team offered her a position in the front office, an offer she declined, stating she hadn’t sought an administrative role. Meyers returned to women’s basketball, joining the New Jersey Gems of the Women’s Basketball League (WBL). She quickly reasserted her dominance, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award in her second season.
While her NBA career was cut short, Meyers’ impact on basketball extended far beyond the court. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into team management, joining the Phoenix Suns and later the Phoenix Mercury, ultimately winning two WNBA championships. She became a trailblazer in sports administration, paving the way for future generations of women in the NBA.
A Hall of Fame Career and Enduring Recognition
Ann Meyers’ accomplishments have been widely recognized. She was the first woman inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, and her jersey was retired alongside the numbers of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton. In 1993, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. She received the prestigious Wooden Award in 2001, recognizing her as one of the greatest American players of all time, and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Though she may not have had the opportunity to fully demonstrate her abilities in the NBA, Ann Meyers’ attempt to break the color barrier remains a significant chapter in basketball history. She came closer than anyone before her to playing in the league, and her courage and determination continue to inspire athletes today. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in sports and the importance of challenging conventional boundaries.
Meyers’ legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. She continues to be a vocal advocate for women’s basketball and a mentor to aspiring athletes. The NBA and WNBA have made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in recent years, and Ann Meyers’ pioneering spirit undoubtedly played a role in shaping that progress. The league continues to evolve, and the conversation around gender equality in professional sports remains ongoing.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, and as more women take on leadership roles within the NBA, Ann Meyers’ story will continue to resonate. Her brief but impactful foray into the NBA serves as a powerful reminder that talent knows no gender, and that the pursuit of equality in sports is a continuous journey.
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