Frozen: when the WNBA belt sat out the playoffs

7 seasons the belt holder missed the playoffs and carried the belt into the next season.

The belt only moves when its holder plays. When the holder's season ends early, the belt freezes: the champions get crowned in the playoffs, and the belt waits for next season. It has happened 7 times in WNBA belt history.

Every frozen season, newest first

1. 2026: Portland Fire sat out the playoffs with the belt while Golden State Valkyries won the title.
2. 2024: Los Angeles Sparks sat out the playoffs with the belt while New York Liberty won the title.
3. 2014: Connecticut Sun sat out the playoffs with the belt while Phoenix Mercury won the title.
4. 2006: Phoenix Mercury sat out the playoffs with the belt while Detroit Shock won the title.
5. 2005: Washington Mystics sat out the playoffs with the belt while Sacramento Monarchs won the title.
6. 2000: Utah Starzz sat out the playoffs with the belt while Houston Comets won the title.
7. 1999: Utah Starzz sat out the playoffs with the belt while Houston Comets won the title.

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