Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nancy Lieberman

Discover the career path of Nancy Lieberman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Nancy Lieberman, nicknamed "Lady Magic," is a prominent figure in American women's basketball. A former professional player and coach in the WNBA, she's recognized as one of the sport's greatest. Currently, she serves as a broadcaster for the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) and head coach of Power in the BIG3, leading them to the 2018 Championship. Her career spans playing, coaching, and broadcasting, solidifying her legacy in basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1975: Played for 1975 USA Women's Pan American Team

In 1975, Nancy Lieberman, at age 17, played for the USA Women's Pan American Team, securing a gold medal in Mexico City.

1975: Named to USA Team

In 1975, while still in her teens, Nancy Lieberman was named to the USA Team designated to play in the World Championships and Pan American Games, where the team won a gold medal.

1976: Attended Old Dominion University

In 1976, Nancy Lieberman attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she played on the women's basketball team.

1976: Won Silver Medal at the Olympics

In 1976, Nancy Lieberman became the youngest basketball player in Olympic history to win a medal, when the United States captured the silver medal at the Montreal Olympics.

1978: Won WNIT Championship and Kodak All-America awards

In 1978, Nancy Lieberman and her team won the WNIT (Women's National Invitation Tournament) Championship. She also won one of her three consecutive Kodak All-America awards.

1979: Won AIAW National Championships

In 1979, Nancy Lieberman and her team won the AIAW National Championships.

1979: Won Silver Medal at Pan American Games

In 1979, Nancy Lieberman played with the team at the Pan American games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although the team easily won most of their games, they lost to Cuba, 91–86, and received the silver medal.

1979: Won Gold Medal at William Jones Cup

In 1979, Nancy Lieberman was named to the team representing the US at the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei. The USA team won all six games on the way to the gold medal, and Lieberman earned a spot on the Jones Cup All-Tournament Team.

1980: Withdrew from Olympic Team

In 1980, Nancy Lieberman earned a slot on the 1980 Olympic team, but withdrew from the squad in support of U.S. President Jimmy Carter's boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

1980: Selected in WBL Draft

In 1980, Nancy Lieberman was selected with the first pick in the Women's Pro Basketball League (WBL) draft by the Dallas Diamonds.

1981: Played in WBL Finals

In 1981, Nancy Lieberman helped Dallas to the WBL finals, where they lost to the Nebraska Wranglers in five games. She was named the "rookie of the year", after averaging 26.3 points per game.

1981: Played for the Los Angeles Lakers Summer Pro League team

In 1981, Nancy Lieberman played for the Los Angeles Lakers Summer Pro League team.

1982: Served as Physical Trainer for Navratilova

In 1982, Nancy Lieberman served as the physical trainer for Martina Navratilova, contributing to Navratilova's return to the number one ranking.

1984: Won WABA Championship

In 1984, Nancy Lieberman signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Diamonds to play in the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA). Averaging 27 points per game and being voted the league's Most Valuable Player, she helped Dallas win the 1984 WABA championship.

1986: Signed with Springfield Fame

In 1986, Nancy Lieberman signed with the Springfield Fame of the men's professional United States Basketball League (USBL) where she went on to average 1.7 points in 11 minutes per game.

1990: Failed to Make Goodwill Games Roster

In 1990, Nancy Lieberman failed to make the final roster for the Goodwill Games.

1992: Failed to Make Olympics Roster

In 1992, Nancy Lieberman failed to make the final roster for the Olympics.

1997: Played for Phoenix Mercury

In 1997, during the WNBA's inaugural year, Nancy Lieberman played for the Phoenix Mercury. At the age of 39, she was the WNBA's oldest player.

1998: Hired as General Manager and Head Coach of Detroit Shock

In 1998, Nancy Lieberman was hired as general manager and head coach of the Detroit Shock.

2000: Fired from Detroit Shock

After being fired after the 2000 season, Nancy Lieberman worked as a women's basketball analyst for ESPN.

July 24, 2008: Signed with Detroit Shock

On July 24, 2008, at 50 years old, Nancy Lieberman signed a seven-day contract with the Detroit Shock, breaking her own previous record as the oldest player in league history and returning to the franchise she coached a decade prior.

July 25, 2008: Waived by Detroit Shock

On July 25, 2008, Nancy Lieberman was waived by the Detroit Shock after playing one game. The Shock went on to win the WNBA Finals that season.

November 2009: Became Coach of Texas Legends

In November 2009, Nancy Lieberman became the coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League (now NBA G League), becoming the first woman to coach a professional men's basketball team.

November 2010: Texas Legends Began Play

In November 2010, the Texas Legends, coached by Nancy Lieberman, began play.

July 2015: Hired by Sacramento Kings

In July 2015, Nancy Lieberman was hired by the Sacramento Kings as an assistant coach, becoming the second female assistant coach in NBA history.

2017: Left the Sacramento Kings

In 2017, Nancy Lieberman left the Sacramento Kings after taking two leaves of absence to care for her ailing mother. After the Kings, she became a broadcaster with the New Orleans Pelicans.