The WNBA has witnessed incredible talent since launching in 1997. From game-changing legends to players who redefined what it means to dominate on the court, we’re going to give you the ultimate list of the 10 best WNBA players of all time.
These athletes have not only made a mark in the league but have also inspired the next future generations of young women who want to be the next WNBA stars.
10. Sylvia Fowles
Sylvia Fowles stands as one of the most imposing centers in WNBA history, her presence both in the paint and on the defensive end a nightmare for opponents. A two-time WNBA Champion in 2015 and 2017 with the Minnesota Lynx, Fowles is also a four-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, underscoring her dominance on both sides of the floor.
Averaging 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game across her 15-year career, Fowles’ ability to control the game’s tempo and alter shots was unparalleled. Her strength, athleticism, and leadership makes her an undeniable figure in the conversation of the best WNBA players of all time.
9. Sue Bird
Sue Bird, the heartbeat of the Seattle Storm for nearly two decades, is a living legend in women’s basketball. With four WNBA Championships, Bird redefined the point guard position with her impeccable court vision, unselfish play, and leadership.
Over 19 seasons, she earned 13 All-Star appearances, averaged 11.7 points and 5.6 assists. Bird’s ability to elevate her teammates and manage the game has solidified her place as one of the greatest WNBA players in history.
8. Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes was the embodiment of versatility, excelling at both ends of the floor. A four-time WNBA Champion and the league’s first-ever signed player, Swoopes earned the nickname “The Female Michael Jordan” due to her elite skill set and fierce competitiveness.
Her career boasts three WNBA MVPs, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and six All-Star selections. Averaging 15 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, Swoopes was the quintessential two-way player, impacting every aspect of the game.
7. Maya Moore
Maya Moore is the definition of a winner. Over an 8-season career, Moore captured 4 WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and the 2014 MVP award making her one of the most successful and well-rounded players to ever grace the WNBA.
Averaging 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, Moore was the rare talent who could dominate offensively and defensively, and her leadership was a driving force behind her teams’ success. Moore’s relentless work ethic and competitive spirit make her an undeniable WNBA legend.
6. Candace Parker
Candace Parker is a true force in women’s basketball, known for her versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. A two-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013), Parker’s skillset stretches far beyond scoring, as evidenced by her career averages of 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
With three WNBA Championships and seven All-WNBA First Team selections, Parker’s all-around game and leadership have cemented her legacy as one of the top WNBA players in history.
5. Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie is more than just a WNBA icon—she’s a pioneer. The first player to dunk in a WNBA game, Leslie forever changed the perception of what a dominant center could do in the women’s game. Her career includes two WNBA Championships and 3 MVP awards (2001, 2004, 2006), setting the standard for centers in the league.
Averaging 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, Leslie’s contributions on both ends of the floor helped elevate the WNBA into a household name. Once scoring 101 points in a single half of a high school game, Leslie’s impact is felt both on the court and off, ensuring her legacy as one of the best WNBA players in history.
4. Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia Cooper was an offensive juggernaut and a key figure in the WNBA’s early years. A four-time WNBA Champion (1997-2000) and two-time MVP (1997, 1998), Cooper was the go-to scorer for the Houston Comets, leading them to an unprecedented four straight titles.
Averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, Cooper’s ability to take over a game offensively is unmatched. Her scoring prowess and leadership in the clutch earned her the distinction of one of the greatest WNBA players ever to play the game.
3. Lauren Jackson
Lauren Jackson is one of the most gifted forwards to ever play in the WNBA. A three-time MVP (2003, 2007, 2010), Jackson led the Seattle Storm to two championships (2004, 2010), and is widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the history of the game.
With averages of 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, Jackson’s scoring ability, versatility, and high basketball IQ make her one of the top WNBA players in history. Her influence transcends borders, making her an international icon in women’s sports.
2. Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings is the personification of tenacity and determination. A 10-time WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection and five-time Defensive Player of the Year, Catchings was a nightmare for opposing offenses and a consistent force on the boards.
With one WNBA Championship (2012) and four Olympic gold medals, Catchings’ all-around game—16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game—showcased her relentless drive. Catchings’ defensive acumen and versatility make her a perennial contender for the title of greatest WNBA player of all time.
1. Diana Taurasi
No list of the best WNBA players of all time is complete without Diana Taurasi sitting atop. Known for her scoring ability, clutch performances, and unwavering leadership, Taurasi is often hailed as the greatest player in WNBA history.
With three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014) and two MVP awards (2009, 2010), Taurasi’s 18-year career is a testament to her unparalleled consistency. Averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, Taurasi is the league’s all-time leading scorer and has had the most significant impact on the WNBA’s global rise. She remains the definitive figure in the league, cementing her legacy as the G.O.A.T.
Conclusion
From Sylvia Fowles’ dominance in the paint to Diana Taurasi’s unmatched legacy, these 10 players represent the pinnacle of excellence in the WNBA. They’ve redefined what it means to be an elite basketball player, proving time and again that women’s basketball is a force to be reckoned with.
Whether it’s their incredible stats, championships, or influence on the game, these athletes will always be remembered as some of the greatest WNBA players in history.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, keep an eye on the emerging stars—these legends have paved the way for a new generation of players eager to leave their mark on one of the top sports leagues in history.
