The Western Conference Sacramento Monarchs are one of the eight original franchises of the WNBA. They were founded in 1996, and played their inaugaural season in 1997.

The Monarchs are the sister team of the Sacramento Kings, and play at the ARCO Arena. The team is owned by the Maloof family: George J. Maloof, Sr., his wife Colleen, and five adult children.

The Monarchs have had successful efforts in each of their twelve seasons to day, posting a 194-162 win loss record prior to the start of the 2008 campaign. They have been in the playoffs in eight of their first 12 years as a franchise, and in 2005 won the Championship for the first time.

The Monarchs have had several coaches:

Mary Murphy opened with the Monarchs in 1997, followed by Heidi VanDerveer from 1997 to 1998. Sonny Allen had teh reins from 1999 to 2000, and was followed by Maura McHugh from 2001-2003. John Whisenant took over from 2003-2006, and was replaced by Jenny Boucek in 2007. To date she is the current head coach.

Players in the 2008 season include Kara Lawson and Ticha Penicheiro.