The Women's Basketball League (WBL) was a professional women's basketball league in the United States that operated from 1978 to 1981. It was one of the first leagues to provide a platform for female basketball players to showcase their talents at a professional level. The league featured teams from various cities and aimed to promote women's sports. Despite its short lifespan, the WBL played a significant role in paving the way for future women's basketball leagues, including the more successful Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), which was established in 1996. The WBL helped raise awareness and interest in women's basketball, contributing to the growth of the sport.