The WNBA has produced some of the most talented basketball players the world has ever seen. Since its inaugural season in 1997, the league has come a long way in terms of popularity, fan engagement, and financial growth. Early WNBA salaries were modest, with most players earning around $30,000 per season. As the league has grown, thanks to rising talent and star power, salaries have increased, with top players now earning six-figure contracts along with endorsements. This article will highlight the 10 best WNBA players of all time and provide insight into their impact on the game and the league’s development.
1. Lisa Leslie
Career Stats and Achievements
Lisa Leslie was a force in the WNBA from 1997 until her retirement in 2009, playing for the Los Angeles Sparks for her entire career. Over 12 seasons, she averaged 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, making her one of the most dominant centers in the league’s history. She was a three-time WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006) and a two-time WNBA Champion (2001, 2002).
Leslie’s impact went beyond statistics. She was an eight-time WNBA All-Star and was selected to the All-WNBA First Team eight times. Known for her shot-blocking ability and offensive dominance in the post, Leslie was the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, which helped elevate the league’s visibility and popularity. Her contributions to the league also helped pave the way for increased exposure and sponsorship opportunities, which ultimately led to improved WNBA salaries over time.
Olympic Success
Leslie also had an illustrious international career, helping Team USA win four Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008). Her presence on the court both internationally and domestically made her a global icon for women’s basketball.
2. Sheryl Swoopes
Career Stats and Achievements
Sheryl Swoopes was a pioneer in the WNBA and is widely regarded as one of the league’s first true superstars. Playing for the Houston Comets, Swoopes averaged 15 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game throughout her 12-year career. She was a three-time WNBA MVP (2000, 2002, 2005) and a four-time WNBA Champion (1997-2000), leading the Comets’ dynasty in the league’s early years.
Swoopes’ defensive prowess was also unmatched; she was a five-time WNBA All-Defensive First Team selection and won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times. Her ability to guard multiple positions while being a consistent scorer made her one of the most complete players in league history.
Endorsements and Legacy
Swoopes was also the first female basketball player to have a signature shoe deal, with Nike releasing the “Air Swoopes.” Her marketability and star power helped increase the visibility of the WNBA in its infancy, contributing to the growth of WNBA salaries and the league’s financial structure.
3. Diana Taurasi
Career Stats and Achievements
Diana Taurasi is widely regarded as one of the greatest guards in WNBA history. With a career spanning over 17 seasons (and counting), Taurasi has averaged 19.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. She is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, having surpassed 9,000 career points in 2021.
Taurasi’s accolades include three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014) with the Phoenix Mercury and one MVP award in 2009. She is an 11-time WNBA All-Star and has been named to the All-WNBA First Team 10 times. Known for her clutch shooting and competitive fire, Taurasi has earned a reputation as one of the league’s fiercest competitors.
Impact on the Game
Taurasi’s influence extends beyond her statistics. Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs, has cemented her status as a legend. Taurasi’s longevity in the league has helped boost the overall popularity of the WNBA and raised the bar for younger players entering the league. Her success has coincided with the rise of endorsement opportunities, increasing the financial rewards for players at the top of their game.
4. Maya Moore
Career Stats and Achievements
Maya Moore made an immediate impact in the WNBA when she was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2011. Over eight seasons, Moore averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. She was instrumental in leading the Lynx to four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017).
Moore was a six-time WNBA All-Star and won the league MVP in 2014. Known for her smooth shooting stroke and ability to score in a variety of ways, Moore was a versatile forward who excelled on both ends of the court. In addition to her WNBA success, Moore also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016.
Off-Court Impact
Moore’s decision to step away from basketball to focus on social justice causes in 2019 was a powerful statement about the impact athletes can have off the court. Her activism brought attention to important social issues, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest and most influential players in the history of the league.
5. Tamika Catchings
Career Stats and Achievements
Tamika Catchings was the cornerstone of the Indiana Fever for her entire 15-season career. Averaging 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, Catchings was a dominant force on both offense and defense. She is the WNBA’s all-time leader in steals and was a 10-time All-Star and five-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Catchings led the Fever to their first and only WNBA Championship in 2012 and was named Finals MVP. Her relentless energy and leadership made her a fan favorite and a role model for younger players. Catchings’ defensive prowess, combined with her ability to score and rebound, made her one of the most complete players in WNBA history.
Financial Impact
Catchings’ success both on and off the court helped raise the profile of the WNBA, contributing to the increasing value of the league. Players of her caliber have been crucial in pushing for better salaries and improved working conditions for all WNBA athletes.
6. Lauren Jackson
Career Stats and Achievements
Lauren Jackson was a dominant force for the Seattle Storm from 2001 to 2012. Standing at 6-foot-5, the Australian forward was one of the most versatile players in WNBA history, averaging 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game over her career. She won two WNBA MVP awards (2003, and 2007) and led the Storm to two WNBA Championships (2004, 2010).
Jackson’s ability to score from both inside and outside, combined with her defensive capabilities, made her one of the most difficult players to defend in the league. She was also a seven-time All-Star and a five-time All-WNBA First Team selection.
International Impact
In addition to her WNBA success, Jackson was a standout on the international stage, helping Australia win multiple medals in international competitions, including the Olympics. Her success as an international player further demonstrated the global reach of the WNBA and helped bring more international attention to the league.
7. Sue Bird
Career Stats and Achievements
Sue Bird’s longevity and consistency have made her one of the best point guards in WNBA history. Over her 20-season career with the Seattle Storm, Bird has averaged 11.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. She is a four-time WNBA champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) and a 12-time WNBA All-Star.
Known for her basketball IQ, court vision, and leadership, Bird has been a key factor in the Storm’s success. She is the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists, further demonstrating her ability to make those around her better.
Off-Court Contributions
Bird has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, using her platform to speak out on important issues. Her leadership both on and off the court has helped elevate the WNBA’s status and contributed to the growing salaries and visibility of women’s sports.
8. Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Career Stats and Achievements
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke was the leader of the Houston Comets dynasty in the WNBA’s early years, winning four consecutive WNBA Championships (1997-2000). Over her career, Cooper-Dyke averaged 21 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, making her one of the league’s most prolific scorers.
Cooper-Dyke was named Finals MVP in each of the Comets’ four championship runs and was a two-time WNBA MVP. Despite joining the WNBA at the age of 34, her impact on the league was immediate and long-lasting. Her scoring ability and leadership helped set the tone for the league’s early success.
9. Brittney Griner
Career Stats and Achievements
Brittney Griner has been one of the most dominant centers in the WNBA since she entered the league in 2013. Griner has averaged 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game over her career, making her one of the top shot-blockers in WNBA history.
Griner’s ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor has made her a key player for the Phoenix Mercury, leading them to a WNBA Championship in 2014. Her ability to dunk and block shots has also madeBrittney Griner has been one of the most dominant centers in the WNBA since her debut in 2013 with the Phoenix Mercury. Standing at 6-foot-9, her physical presence and shot-blocking abilities have defined her career. She’s averaged 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game over her career, making her the all-time leader in blocks per game in WNBA history. Griner’s unique skill set allows her to dominate both offensively and defensively, consistently leading the league in blocks and frequently ranking among the top scorers.
Griner helped lead the Phoenix Mercury to the 2014 WNBA Championship and has been named to multiple WNBA All-Star teams. Her ability to dunk—a rarity in women’s basketball—adds to her star power, making her one of the most recognizable players in the league. Her career accolades also include two Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2016, 2021).
Off-Court Influence and Challenges
In addition to her on-court success, Griner has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having come out publicly in 2013. Her openness and advocacy have made her a role model for many young athletes. Griner’s off-court struggles, including her high-profile legal issues in Russia, have also garnered significant media attention, further cementing her place as a major figure in both sports and social justice.
10. Candace Parker
Career Stats and Achievements
Candace Parker has been one of the most versatile and talented forwards in WNBA history since being drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008. Over her 16-season career, Parker has averaged 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing her ability to score, rebound, and facilitate offense as a forward.
Parker won two WNBA Championships, one with the Sparks in 2016 and one with the Chicago Sky in 2021. She was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2016 and has also won two WNBA MVP awards (2008, 2013). Parker’s all-around game and ability to dominate in the paint, while also stepping out to hit perimeter shots, make her one of the most versatile players in league history.
Off-Court Contributions and Media Career
In addition to her on-court success, Parker has become a prominent figure in sports media, working as a broadcaster and analyst for NBA on TNT. Her basketball IQ and articulate analysis have made her a respected voice in the sports media landscape. Parker’s ability to excel both on and off the court has made her a role model for many aspiring athletes.
Notable Players Who Just Missed the List
Several other WNBA players have left a lasting legacy but just missed out on being in the top 10 best WNBA players of all time. Players like Tina Thompson, the league’s first-ever draft pick and four-time WNBA Champion with the Houston Comets, or Becky Hammon, who became an all-time fan favorite and later made history by becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA, are worthy of recognition.
Lindsay Whalen, who was instrumental in the Minnesota Lynx’s four championships, and DeWanna Bonner, who continues to dominate in her long career, are also notable mentions who have helped shape the league into what it is today.
The Evolution of WNBA Salaries and Player Recognition
In the early days of the WNBA, salaries were quite modest compared to today’s figures. The league’s inaugural season in 1997 saw players earning an average of $20,000 to $30,000 per year, with some top stars receiving around $50,000. This was a far cry from the multimillion-dollar contracts their male counterparts in the NBA enjoyed. As the league grew in popularity and talent, so did the paychecks. By 2023, the maximum salary for top-tier players had risen to around $250,000, with lucrative endorsement deals helping to further supplement earnings.
The increase in pay reflects the league’s growing stature and its fanbase’s increasing support. Players like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart have not only cemented their status as the best WNBA players of all time, but have also become powerful figures in pushing for greater equality in sports compensation. This gradual increase in salary also highlights the recognition and value of women’s contributions to professional sports.
International Influence on the WNBA
The WNBA has also seen an influx of international talent, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage. Players like Lauren Jackson (Australia), Emma Meesseman (Belgium), and Ann Wauters (Belgium) have left an indelible mark on the league. Their success has helped elevate the global profile of the WNBA and has expanded the fanbase to international markets.
Lauren Jackson, in particular, deserves mention among the best WNBA players of all time. The Australian center dominated both ends of the court, earning MVP honors three times and winning two championships with the Seattle Storm. Her all-around ability and fierce competitiveness made her one of the most feared players in the league during her tenure.
Defensive Dynamos: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
While offensive stats often steal the headlines, defense is what truly sets some of the best WNBA players of all time apart. Tamika Catchings, for instance, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in WNBA history. Catchings was a 10-time All-Star, five-time Defensive Player of the Year, and consistently filled the stat sheet with blocks, steals, and rebounds. Her ability to lock down opponents while still contributing offensively made her an invaluable asset for the Indiana Fever.
Other notable defenders include Sylvia Fowles, who has dominated the boards throughout her career, winning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. Fowles’ shot-blocking and rebounding prowess have made her one of the most reliable defensive anchors in league history. Their defensive mastery earns them a rightful place among the best WNBA players of all time.
