The US Women’s Basketball Team Is an Olympic Dynasty, and We Don’t Talk About It Enough

Women’s basketball has struggled for years to be taken as seriously as the men’s sport, and although there are many reasons that shouldn’t be the case, Team USA’s track record at the Olympics may be the most compelling argument yet. After their win in the final game at Paris, the US women’s basketball team has won more Olympic gold medals than any other nation, in a display of dominance that rivals that of the American men’s team.

In the final game against France at 2024’s Olympics, A’ja Wilson took the lead, scoring 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Every move mattered, with Team USA winning against France and securing the gold by one point. The gold is particularly meaningful this year, too.

How Many Medals Has the US Women’s Basketball Team Won?

The gold in Paris marks the team’s eighth gold medal in a row, and their 10th Olympic medal overall. The team won gold in 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. They also won silver in 1976 and bronze in 1992. And in 1980, they didn’t play due to the US boycott of of the Summer Olympics, which were being hosted by the Soviet Union.

Women’s basketball was first added to the Summer Olympics in 1976. This means that the Paris Olympics marked the 12th appearance of the sport, out of a possible 13. Of the 13 gold medals awarded so far, 10 have gone to the American women, who have been undefeated on the Olympic stage since 1996.

Another fact that emphasizes how dominant Team USA is: only two other women’s basketball teams have won gold at the Olympics, the Soviet Union in 1976 and 1980, and the 1992 “Unified Team,” comprising athletes from former Soviet countries. For comparison, the men’s team has taken home gold in 17 out of 21 Olympic tournaments and has been undefeated since 2008.

Historically, basketball is one of the sports that American women have been most dominant in, along with soccer, gymnastics, and softball. With a fully-stack roster, of course, the team delivered, bumping their winning streak to 61 consecutive wins in a row.

Amanda Prahl is a freelance writer, playwright/lyricist, dramaturg, teacher, and copywriter/editor. Amanda has also contributed to Slate, Bustle, Mic, The Mary Sue, and others.

Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a Staff Writer, Health & Fitness. A life-long martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength & conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning from George Washington University.