2005 Western Conference Finals Run

Lore & Background

The Monarchs were one of the WNBA's eight original franchises and were noted early on for standout players Ticha Penicheiro, Ruthie Bolton and Yolanda Griffith. They were the sister franchise of the Sacramento Kings National Basketball Association (NBA) team. In 2005, the team brought Sacramento its first championship, winning the WNBA Finals for the only time.

Reader's Guide

The Monarchs made the playoffs almost every year from 1997 to 2003 but were eliminated before reaching the WNBA Finals. After losing to the Seattle Storm in the 2004 Western Conference Championship, they made major roster moves, emphasizing Head Coach John Whisenant's defense-oriented system. In 2005, they finished with a franchise-best 25–9 record, swept both the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks en route to their first WNBA Finals appearance, and defeated the Connecticut Sun three games to one to win the championship. In 2006, they finished second in the West, swept Houston and top-seeded LA to reach the Finals again, but lost to the Detroit Shock 3 games to 2. In 2007, they lost in the first round to the San Antonio Silver Stars. In 2008, they lost in the first round to the Silver Stars in three games. In 2009, they finished 12–22, last in the conference and the league, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Did You Know?

• After winning the championship, the Monarchs became the first women's professional team to appear on a Wheaties box.
• As of 2026, the Monarchs were the last WNBA team to cease operations.