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Top 10 Greatest WNBA Players of All Time

The WNBA, founded in 1996, has produced elite athletes whose championship runs, statistical dominance, and cultural impact have transformed women's professional basketball into a global phenomenon. From pioneering franchises to modern dynasties, these players have commanded sold-out arenas, shattered records, and built iconic brands while showcasing technical mastery and competitive excellence. This list celebrates the scoring leaders, playmakers, championship winners, and transformative figures who shaped professional women's basketball into one of sports' most compelling and influential leagues.

2026129 viewsJul 16, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Cynthia Cooper
She averaged 21.0 PPG in the 1997 debut season, a record for a rookie campaign, and was named the league's inaugural MVP. At 34 years old, Cooper dominated the league from its inception, earning Finals MVP in 1997 and 1998 and leading the Houston Comets to titles in 1999 and 2000. Her 21.0 PPG in 1997 remains a WNBA record for a debut season, surpassing the average of 18.2 PPG by typical league MVPs. Cooper's four straight titles set a standard of excellence that no other player or team has matched, making her the definitive benchmark for WNBA greatness.
source: wikipedia
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#2
Diana Taurasi
She has won three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014) with the Phoenix Mercury, seven scoring titles, and 10 All-WNBA First Team selections. Taurasi also earned five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) with USA Basketball, making her the most decorated player internationally. Taurasi's competitive ferocity and clutch performance defined the league for 20 years.
source: wikipedia
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#3
Lisa Leslie
She won four MVP awards (1997, 2001, 2004, 2006) and two championships with the Los Angeles Sparks (2001, 2002), earning Finals MVP both years. Leslie's 6-foot-5 frame and skill made her a dominant force, and she represented USA Basketball at four Olympics, winning gold each time (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008).
source: wikipedia
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#4
Caitlin Clark
She averaged 33.6 PPG in her final college season and 8.9 APG, winning two consecutive AP Player of the Year awards and leading Iowa to back-to-back national championship games. Her 2024 WNBA debut with Indiana Fever set single-season assists records and drew record attendance and viewership, with a 50% increase in league viewership compared to the previous year.
source: wikipedia
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#5
Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes was the first player signed in WNBA history and became its most decorated star, winning three MVP awards (2000, 2002, 2005) and four championships with the Houston Comets—including an unmatched 4–0 record in Finals appearances. She also earned three Defensive Player of the Year honors, six All-WNBA selections, and three Olympic gold medals. Her 2005 season, where she averaged 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 steals, remains a benchmark for two-way impact in WNBA history.
source: wikipedia
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#6
A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson won back-to-back WNBA MVP awards in 2020 and 2022 and added a third in 2024, becoming only the second player in league history to achieve three MVPs—matching Sheryl Swoopes while doing so at a younger age. She led the Las Vegas Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, earning Finals MVP both years and cementing a 6–0 Finals series record. In 2024, Wilson averaged 26.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, breaking the single-season scoring record with 1,048 total points, then won Olympic gold in Paris.
source: wikipedia
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#7
Lauren Jackson
Lauren Jackson of Australia won three WNBA MVP awards (2003, 2007, 2010) and a WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm in 2004, posting career averages of 19.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game—one of only three players ever to exceed 19 PPG and 8 RPG over a full career, alongside Breanna Stewart. She was the first international player to win WNBA MVP and the first international inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, a 50% faster recognition than typical international honorees. Named to the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time, Jackson represented Australia at five Olympics, winning three silvers. Her combination of outside shooting, post play, and defensive intensity made her the most complete big in league history before retirement—a claim backed by her 2.2 blocks per game in her 2007 MVP season.
source: wikipedia
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#8
Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart won two WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm (2018, 2020) and was MVP in 2018, adding a second MVP in 2023 with the New York Liberty—a season where she averaged 23.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Her 2018 postseason, averaging 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, is rated 30% more efficient than Lauren Jackson's best playoff run by Player Efficiency Rating. After a torn Achilles in 2019 ended her EuroLeague season, Stewart returned to produce arguably her finest stretch, culminating in the 2023 MVP.
source: wikipedia
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#9
Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings' five Defensive Player of the Year awards are unmatched in WNBA history, a testament to the most relentless on-ball defense the league has ever seen. She anchored the Indiana Fever to their 2012 championship, earning Finals MVP while averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in the playoffs. Catchings also won five scoring titles, ranking her second only to Diana Taurasi in career points among active players at her retirement, and her total of 1,074 steals remains third all-time. Overcoming a hearing impairment, she earned four Olympic gold medals and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
source: wikipedia
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#10
Sue Bird
Sue Bird is the winningest player in basketball history, with four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, and five EuroLeague titles across 21 seasons. Bird’s 13 All-WNBA selections tie her with Lisa Leslie, yet she never won MVP, a testament to her role as the quietest great. At age 40, she won a gold medal in Tokyo, and her final season in 2022 saw a standing ovation at every arena.
source: wikipedia

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Who is considered the greatest WNBA player of all time?

While opinions vary, players like Cynthia Cooper, Diana Taurasi, Lisa Leslie, and Sue Bird are frequently cited as the most dominant forces in WNBA history due to their championships, MVP awards, and long-term impact on the league.

How is this ranking determined?

This list considers championships won, MVP awards, statistical dominance, defensive accolades, and overall cultural impact on the WNBA and women's basketball globally.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is considered the greatest WNBA player of all time?

Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as the greatest WNBA player of all time due to her record-breaking scoring, six Olympic gold medals, three WNBA championships, and multiple MVP awards.

Which players are typically included in the top 10 WNBA players of all time?

The top 10 usually includes Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Tamika Catchings, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Charles or Sylvia Fowles.

What criteria are used to rank the greatest WNBA players?

Rankings consider career statistics, championships, MVP awards, All-Star selections, playoff success, impact on the game, and longevity.

Are any active players in the top 10 greatest WNBA players of all time?

Yes, active players such as Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart are frequently listed in the top 10 based on their achievements.

How does Maya Moore's career compare to other top WNBA players?

Maya Moore is a four-time WNBA champion, six-time All-Star, and one-time MVP, with a remarkable peak that many rank her among the top five all time despite a shortened career.