The WNBA has been graced by some of the most extraordinary talent in basketball history. From dominant centers to agile guards, the league’s history is rich with players who redefined what it means to be exceptional on the court.
In this article, we delve into the careers of the top 10 greatest WNBA players, examining the skills, achievements, and legacies that set them apart as legends in the world of women’s basketball.
10. Tina Charles: The Rebounding Queen
Tina Charles has established herself as one of the WNBA’s premier centers. A former MVP and seven-time All-Star, Charles became the second all-time scorer in WNBA history in 2024. Known for her rebounding prowess, she holds the record for fastest player to reach 1,000 rebounds. Charles continues to dominate the paint for the Atlanta Dream.
9. Candace Parker: The Versatile Powerhouse
Candace Parker’s versatility and impact on the court are unmatched. She’s the only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (2008). Parker led three different teams to WNBA championships and earned two Olympic gold medals. Her career achievements include two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and multiple All-Star selections.
8. Sue Bird: The Floor General
Sue Bird’s 19-year WNBA career solidified her as one of the greatest point guards in history. With 4 championships, 13 All-Star selections, and the all-time assists record (3,234), Bird’s court vision and leadership were unparalleled. Her longevity and consistency made her a cornerstone of the Seattle Storm’s dynasty.
7. Sheryl Swoopes: The Defensive Maestro
Sheryl Swoopes, nicknamed “the female Michael Jordan,” was a defensive powerhouse in the WNBA. She earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards (2000, 2002, 2003) and led the league in steals twice. Swoopes’ quick hands and lateral quickness made her a nightmare for opponents, solidifying her status as one of the best perimeter defenders in WNBA history.
6. Lauren Jackson: The International Sensation
Lauren Jackson dominated the WNBA from 2001 to 2012, winning three MVP awards and two championships with the Seattle Storm. The Australian star averaged 18.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over her career, earning seven All-Star selections and eight All-WNBA First Team honors. Jackson’s versatile skill set and international success cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.
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5. Cynthia Cooper: The Original Dynamo
Cynthia Cooper dominated the WNBA’s early years, leading the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships (1997-2000). She was named Finals MVP all four times and league MVP twice. Cooper’s explosive scoring and clutch performances set the standard for excellence, averaging over 20 points per game in her first four seasons.
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4. Maya Moore: The Winning Machine
Maya Moore’s WNBA career was short but incredibly impactful. In just eight seasons, she won four championships, an MVP award, and six All-Star selections. Moore averaged 18.4 points per game, ranking eighth all-time. Her legacy extends beyond basketball, as she left the sport to focus on criminal justice reform.
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3. Lisa Leslie: The Pioneering Center
Lisa Leslie revolutionized women’s basketball as the WNBA’s first dominant center. She led the Los Angeles Sparks to two championships, earned three MVP awards, and became the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game. Leslie’s career achievements include eight All-Star selections and four Olympic gold medals, cementing her legacy as a true pioneer of the sport.
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2. Tamika Catchings: The All-Around Superstar
Tamika Catchings dominated the WNBA for 15 seasons, showcasing unparalleled versatility. She retired as the league’s all-time leader in steals, second in points and rebounds, and the only player to rank in the top 25 for points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Catchings earned five Defensive Player of the Year awards and led the Indiana Fever to their first championship in 2012.
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1. Diana Taurasi: The Undisputed GOAT
Diana Taurasi’s unparalleled career solidifies her as the WNBA’s greatest player. With three WNBA championships, one MVP award, and six Olympic gold medals, Taurasi’s dominance is undeniable. She became the league’s all-time leading scorer in 2017 and continues to set records, including becoming the first player to reach 10,000 career points in 2023.
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