12 WNBA Players Who Thrived on Being Hated

The WNBA has always had its fair share of heroes—but just as importantly, it’s had its villains. Some players seem to thrive when the crowd boos louder, the headlines get messier, and the spotlight turns hotter.

Whether it’s trash talk, hard fouls, media feuds, or full-on rivalries, these athletes turned public backlash into personal fuel. Here are 12 WNBA players who thrived on being hated.

12. Tina Charles

Jul 11, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) controls the ball against Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) and Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
John Froschauer-Imagn Images

Tina Charles didn’t scream or slam the floor—she let her game do the damage, often while making controversial exits from teams. Cold, calculated, and constantly productive, she never seemed to care what anyone thought.

11. Natasha Cloud

New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) dives for a loose ball during the second half against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.
Stephen Brashear / Imagn Images

Cloud has never been afraid to speak her mind, whether it’s about the league, politics, or calling out her opponents. Her passion and fire have made her a polarizing figure—but she feeds off the noise and never backs down from a challenge.

10. Courtney Williams

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) drives to the basket against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson / Imagn Images

She’s gained a lot of fans because of the StudBudz, but Williams has been a walking headline both on and off the court. Whether it’s for her fights, fashion, or firepower, she keeps shooting—and dancing—like she owns the moment.

9. Sophie Cunningham

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) shoots the ball during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena.
Lucas Peltier / Imagn Images

If there’s a scuffle, chances are Sophie’s in the middle of it with a smirk on her face. Her enforcer energy makes her a nightmare to play against and a magnet for drama.

8. Marina Mabrey

Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn Images

Mabrey plays like someone who enjoys being booed, especially when she’s chirping in your face right after draining a three. She’s brash, bold, and never afraid to stir the pot.

7. Chennedy Carter

Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) brings the ball up court against the Las Vegas Aces during the first half at Wintrust Arena.
Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images

Carter was at the center of some of the league’s most heated moments, including the infamous hit on Caitlin Clark. She played with a chip the size of a boulder, and she didn’t apologize for any of it.

6. Sheryl Swoopes

May 13, 2006; Washington, D.C, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Comets at Washington Mystics -- Houston forward Sheryl Swoopes brings the ball up court. Mandatory Credit: Sean Dougherty-USA TODAY
USA TODAY

One of the game’s OGs, Swoopes wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers—even long after she stopped playing. Her old-school toughness and brutally honest takes have kept her in the spotlight and plenty of heated debates.

5. Angel Reese

Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) during the second half of a WNBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

From her college days to the pros, Angel Reese has fully leaned into the role of the “bad guy.” Whether it’s taunts, tweets, or towering rebound numbers, she’s made it clear she’s not here to be liked—she’s here to win.

4. Skylar Diggins

Jul 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) drives the ball past Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
John Froschauer-Imagn Images

Skylar doesn’t sugarcoat a thing, and her blunt honesty has often led to public beefs with teammates, coaches, and front offices. She’s a star who plays with fire—and isn’t afraid to call people out while doing it.

3. Caitlin Clark

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrate after a play in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Clark might be a rookie, but she’s already drawn the ire of opposing players and fans alike, thanks to her hype, skill, and sky-high expectations. She keeps showing up, shooting deep threes, and silencing crowds with her play.

Read more: 16 WNBA Players Who Embraced the Villain Role

2. Liz Cambage

Team Wilson forward Liz Cambage celebrates after Team Wilson defeated Team Delle Donne in the WNBA All Star Game at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagn Images

Cambage never just played the game—she made sure you knew she was the biggest personality on the floor. With drama seemingly always around her, she dominated on her terms and often thrived in chaos.

Read more: 18 NBA Stars Who Never Shied Away from the Spotlight

1. Diana Taurasi

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi smiles after hitting a three-pointer on Sept. 19, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
Owen Ziliak / Imagn Images

Taurasi built an entire career out of being the WNBA’s ultimate villain—and she didn’t want it any other way. From the trash talk to the techs, she was the master of mind games and clutch moments, all while thriving in enemy territory.

Read more: Ranking the Top 10 Most Controversial Stars in WNBA History Ft Angel Reese

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