Tracking WNBA standings is a thrilling way to dive into the history of the league, seeing which teams have solidified their legacy and which ones are still building it. From powerhouse franchises to fresh contenders, the WNBA all-time standings reveal more than just championships—they tell the story of the league’s growth, competitiveness, and unforgettable moments. Let’s explore a ranked breakdown of teams based on their historical impact, performance, and fan devotion.
How All-Time WNBA Standings Are Determined
Before diving in, let’s clarify the process behind ranking these all-time standings. Typically, standings are based on cumulative win-loss records, playoff results, and championships. Consistently successful teams in the postseason are often ranked higher, and multiple title wins also boost a team’s standing. In other cases, teams that may not have many titles but consistently make the playoffs earn their respect in the all-time standings.
Houston Comets
Championships: 4 (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)
Key Players: Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson
Notable Stats: First franchise to achieve a “three-peat” and the only team with four consecutive titles.
The Houston Comets set an almost mythical standard in the league’s early years, becoming the WNBA’s first dynasty by securing four championships in a row. Cynthia Cooper, who claimed the Finals MVP title each championship year, averaged over 20 points per game in her career, a feat matched by few. Sheryl Swoopes’ defensive prowess earned her three Defensive Player of the Year titles, and Tina Thompson added scoring depth. Together, they shaped the league’s history, and the Comets’ success and dominant roster keep them at the pinnacle of the WNBA all-time standings.
Minnesota Lynx
Championships: 4 (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
Key Players: Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles
Notable Stats: Highest playoff winning percentage among teams with over 30 games; holds a dominant win-loss record in the Finals.
The Lynx’s dominance throughout the 2010s, led by stars Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus, cemented them as a powerhouse. Their roster was further bolstered by Lindsay Whalen’s leadership at point guard and Sylvia Fowles’ dominant post-play, especially during her MVP season in 2017. Known for their defensive strength and cohesive style, the Lynx consistently dominated the playoffs, reaching the Finals six times in seven years. Their record ranks them second overall in the WNBA all-time standings, demonstrating excellence and resilience over a sustained period.
Seattle Storm
Championships: 4 (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
Key Players: Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, Breanna Stewart
Notable Stats: The only franchise to have won championships across three different decades.
Seattle Storm’s legacy is built around consistent excellence and iconic players. Sue Bird, who played her entire 19-season career with the Storm, is celebrated for her playmaking ability and veteran leadership. Lauren Jackson, a two-time MVP, and Breanna Stewart, a former Rookie of the Year and two-time Finals MVP, each helped propel the Storm to championships in different eras. The team’s adaptability and commitment to nurturing talent have kept them competitive across decades, placing them firmly in the top echelon of the WNBA’s all-time standings.
Los Angeles Sparks
Championships: 3 (2001, 2002, 2016)
Key Players: Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike
Notable Stats: The first team to win back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002.
The Los Angeles Sparks hold a special place in the WNBA as one of its original franchises. With Lisa Leslie leading the charge, the Sparks won consecutive titles in the early 2000s. Leslie was a dominant force in the paint and became the first player to dunk in a WNBA game. Candace Parker continued the legacy, securing an MVP award in 2008 and leading the team to a championship in 2016. Nneka Ogwumike’s game-winning shot in the 2016 Finals secured a victory over the Lynx, adding to the team’s legendary status. The Sparks’ long-standing success places them as one of the most accomplished teams in the WNBA all-time standings.
Phoenix Mercury
Championships: 3 (2007, 2009, 2014)
Key Players: Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Penny Taylor
Notable Stats: Diana Taurasi holds the WNBA all-time scoring record and has led her team to multiple championships.
The Phoenix Mercury, led by WNBA icon Diana Taurasi, has become one of the league’s most successful and followed teams. Taurasi’s unmatched scoring ability, complemented by Brittney Griner’s defensive dominance, helped the Mercury secure championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Taurasi’s Finals performances are among the best in league history, and her leadership continues to influence the franchise’s trajectory. With consistent playoff appearances, the Mercury remains a prominent force in the WNBA, standing out in the all-time standings as a team that brings both excitement and excellence to the court.
Connecticut Sun
Championships: 0
Key Players: Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, Nykesha Sales
Notable Stats: Despite reaching the Finals multiple times, the Sun has yet to claim a championship, making them the most successful franchise without a title.
The Connecticut Sun has repeatedly reached the brink of a championship but has been unable to secure a title. Known for strong regular-season performances, the team, led by stars like Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas, has maintained a high level of competitiveness. They’ve appeared in the Finals in 2004, 2005, and more recently, 2019 and 2022. Although lacking a title, their strong performances and dedicated fan base secure them a respectable spot in the WNBA all-time standings.
Indiana Fever
Championships: 1 (2012)
Key Players: Tamika Catchings, Katie Douglas, Briann January
Notable Stats: Tamika Catchings ranks among the all-time leaders in steals and rebounds, defining the franchise for over a decade.
Led by Tamika Catchings, one of the WNBA’s greatest players, the Indiana Fever captured their first and only championship in 2012. Known for her defensive skills and leadership, Catchings helped the Fever make multiple playoff runs, including a Finals appearance in 2009. The Fever have struggled in recent years, but their 2012 title run and Catchings’ enduring legacy keep them as an iconic franchise in the WNBA’s history books.
New York Liberty
Championships: 0
Key Players: Teresa Weatherspoon, Sue Wicks, Sabrina Ionescu
Notable Stats: One of the WNBA’s original franchises, the Liberty has made four Finals appearances without securing a title.
The New York Liberty, one of the league’s founding teams, have consistently been in the playoff picture but have yet to secure a championship. Despite Finals appearances in 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2002, they’ve fallen short each time. Recently, the addition of rising star Sabrina Ionescu has revitalized the franchise, with hopes of a breakthrough in the coming years. The Liberty’s persistence and rich history make them a cornerstone of the league, and they remain one of the most well-known teams in the WNBA all-time standings.
Washington Mystics
Championships: 1 (2019)
Key Players: Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, Kristi Toliver
Notable Stats: Elena Delle Donne became the first WNBA player to achieve a 50-40-90 shooting season in 2019, leading the Mystics to their first title.
The Washington Mystics’ first title in 2019 was a milestone for the franchise and capped off an incredible season led by Elena Delle Donne’s historic performance. Delle Donne’s leadership, paired with the sharp-shooting prowess of Kristi Toliver, helped the Mystics achieve their best season yet. With several playoff runs over recent years, the Mystics remain competitive and continue to build on their success.
Sacramento Monarchs
Championships: 1 (2005)
Key Players: Yolanda Griffith, Ticha Penicheiro, DeMya Walker
Notable Stats: The Monarchs captured their lone championship in 2005 and remained competitive until their disbandment in 2009.
The Sacramento Monarchs were a formidable team in the early 2000s, reaching the pinnacle of success with their 2005 championship win. Known for their defensive intensity and teamwork, the Monarchs featured standout players like Yolanda Griffith and Ticha Penicheiro. Though the franchise folded in 2009, their legacy as a championship-winning team places them firmly in the WNBA all-time standings as a memorable team that fans still remember.
As the WNBA continues to grow, the league’s standings may evolve, especially with the potential for new leagues like Unrivaled to introduce more competition. For now, these franchises have cemented their legacies in the WNBA all-time standings, serving as benchmarks for both success and the enduring impact of women’s basketball.
Teams That Contribute to WNBA Legacy
While some teams have struggled in the all-time standings, they’ve made significant contributions to the league’s development.
Indiana Fever
With one championship in 2012, the Indiana Fever have a notable place in WNBA all-time standings. Led by Tamika Catchings, one of the greatest players in WNBA history, the Fever has shown resilience and skill. Though currently in a rebuilding phase, the Fever’s historical success is a testament to their strong team culture.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky rose significantly in the WNBA all-time standings after their first championship in 2021. Featuring stars like Candace Parker and Kahleah Copper, the Sky has shown what’s possible with the right talent and strategy, making them a franchise to watch.
The Rise of Expansion Teams in All-Time Standings
Expansion teams have brought fresh energy to the league, gradually climbing the WNBA all-time standings as they build their rosters and fanbases.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are one of the most successful expansion teams in recent history, quickly rising in the all-time standings. With a championship in 2022 and a roster filled with talent like A’ja Wilson, they’re expected to stay competitive for years. Their success reflects the league’s growth and rising talent pool.
Connecticut Sun
Though the Connecticut Sun has yet to win a championship, their consistent playoff appearances make them a mainstay in WNBA all-time standings. They’ve built a reputation for strong defense and team play, contributing to the league’s overall competitiveness.
The Importance of Coaching in All-Time Standings
Coaching is another key factor that impacts a team’s place in the WNBA all-time standings. Coaches like Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) and Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces) bring not only strategic insight but also leadership that can elevate a team’s performance year after year. The right coach can turn a team around, helping them climb the all-time standings and create a lasting legacy.
The Role of Star Players in All-Time Standings
Star players can change a team’s fate and often have a direct impact on WNBA all-time standings. Teams like the Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury have benefitted from icons like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who have brought championships and contributed to the WNBA’s growing popularity. The emergence of young stars such as Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark promises an exciting future for WNBA all-time standings, as these players look to lead their teams to greatness.
Analyzing the WNBA’s Top 5 All-Time Franchises
The WNBA’s history is filled with franchises that have left a lasting impact on the league, both in terms of championships and overall consistency. Each of these top five teams has shown what it means to build a winning culture, drawing fans and raising the profile of the league. Here’s a deeper look at these storied franchises based on their all-time standings and the factors that have cemented their legacies.
Houston Comets: The Original Dynasty
When the WNBA launched in 1997, the Houston Comets quickly rose to dominance, setting a gold standard for success in the league’s formative years. The Comets won four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000, a feat unmatched in WNBA history.
Key Players: Their success was driven by the “big three” of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. Cooper, one of the league’s most prolific scorers, won Finals MVP all four times, setting records that defined her career as one of the WNBA’s greatest. Swoopes and Thompson complimented her with their versatile play and defensive prowess, giving the Comets a balanced attack and an unstoppable force on the court.
Impact on the League: The Comets’ four titles in just 12 years laid the foundation for the league’s growth and attracted attention to women’s basketball. Their early success inspired young athletes and established the WNBA as a legitimate professional league. Even though the franchise no longer exists, the Houston Comets’ legacy as the WNBA’s first dynasty keeps them at the top of the all-time standings.
Minnesota Lynx: A 2010s Powerhouse
The Minnesota Lynx has been a dominant force, particularly throughout the 2010s. Known for their balanced rosters and defensive focus, the Lynx won four championships in seven years (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017) and became one of the most respected teams in the WNBA.
Key Players: The Lynx’s roster during this time was packed with talent, including Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Rebekkah Brunson. Moore, the star of the team, was a consistent scorer and clutch player, winning Finals MVP in 2013. Augustus added another layer of offense, while Whalen and Brunson solidified the team’s defense and rebounding.
Coaching and Strategy: Cheryl Reeve, one of the most successful WNBA coaches, was instrumental in the Lynx’s rise to prominence. Her focus on defense, teamwork, and resilience helped the Lynx remain competitive year after year. The team’s ability to adapt its strategy based on opponents made it a difficult matchup for any team in the league.
Legacy: The Lynx’s sustained success throughout the 2010s has placed them firmly in the all-time standings of the WNBA’s greatest franchises. Their four championships and six Finals appearances have set a standard for consistency and excellence that future franchises will strive to replicate.
Seattle Storm: Consistency Across Eras
The Seattle Storm are unique in that they have built two distinct championship eras. With four titles under their belt (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020), the Storm have demonstrated the ability to adapt and rebuild, showing that they’re a franchise focused on long-term success.
First Era: The first two championships in 2004 and 2010 were led by the dynamic duo of Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson. Jackson, a versatile forward-center, was one of the league’s most dominant players, and her partnership with Bird, a skilled point guard and floor general, made the Storm a formidable team.
Second Era: Following a rebuilding phase, the Storm rose again with Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd joining Bird. Stewart, an MVP-caliber player, and Loyd’s scoring ability brought the Storm back to the top, leading to championships in 2018 and 2020. This era further cemented the Storm’s place among the all-time greats, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.
Legacy and Fan Base: Seattle’s passionate fan base has been a crucial part of the franchise’s success, making the Storm one of the most supported teams in the WNBA. Their loyal fans have stood by them through highs and lows, creating an electrifying atmosphere that makes Climate Pledge Arena a challenging place for opponents.
Los Angeles Sparks: A Legacy of Greatness
As one of the WNBA’s original franchises, the Los Angeles Sparks have had a profound impact on the league. The Sparks hold three championships (2001, 2002, and 2016) and have been a consistent playoff presence, contributing to their prominent place in the all-time standings.
Key Players: Lisa Leslie, one of the WNBA’s first true superstars, led the Sparks to their first two titles in 2001 and 2002. Known for her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, Leslie helped put women’s basketball in the spotlight. Candace Parker joined the team later and brought the Sparks their third championship in 2016 with her exceptional versatility and leadership.
Historic Moments: The Sparks are known for their iconic 2001 season, where they won their first championship and their fierce rivalry with the Houston Comets. In 2016, they won the championship in a dramatic five-game series against the Minnesota Lynx, showcasing the competitiveness and high level of play that has become synonymous with the Sparks franchise.
Lasting Influence: With a dedicated fanbase in Los Angeles and a history of star players, the Sparks have built a legacy that continues to resonate in the WNBA. Their three championships and regular playoff appearances solidify their position in the league’s top echelon.
Phoenix Mercury: A Consistent Playoff Contender
The Phoenix Mercury has been a powerful force in the WNBA, especially since Diana Taurasi joined the team. With three championships (2007, 2009, and 2014) and numerous playoff appearances, the Mercury have become a perennial contender.
Key Players: Diana Taurasi, widely considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history, has been the driving force behind the Mercury’s success. Her scoring ability, leadership, and competitive spirit have been crucial to the team’s three championships. Brittney Griner, a dominant center, joined Taurasi and added a new dimension to the Mercury’s game with her shot-blocking and inside scoring.
Coaching and Strategy: The Mercury’s playing style, focusing on a fast-paced offense and a strong defense, has kept them competitive over the years. Their coaching staff has been effective in developing a high-scoring, flexible roster that can adapt to different styles of play.
Enduring Popularity: The Mercury has built a strong fan base in Phoenix, making them one of the most popular teams in the WNBA. Their three championships and regular playoff presence keep them among the top franchises in all-time standings, and they remain a team to watch each season.
Future of WNBA Standings and Potential New Contenders
As the WNBA continues to expand and evolve, more franchises are rising in the WNBA standings, and the league is becoming increasingly competitive. With the introduction of fresh talent, enhanced facilities, and a growing base of dedicated fans, there’s significant potential for other teams to rise through the WNBA standings and secure their place among the all-time greats. Teams like the Dallas Wings, with young stars developing their game, and the Atlanta Dream, aiming to build a playoff-caliber squad, exemplify the league’s emerging contenders who could soon make waves in the WNBA standings.
The Changing Landscape of WNBA Standings
The WNBA’s expansion and growing popularity indicate that the WNBA standings may soon see some exciting shifts. Notably, recent investments in training facilities and coaching staff have allowed newer franchises to become more competitive, narrowing the gap with historically strong teams. This development suggests that, over the next few seasons, fans could see up-and-coming teams climb higher in the WNBA standings, challenging established franchises.
One exciting aspect of this evolution is how new rivalries will influence the WNBA standings and bring more fans into the league. With intensified competition, each game in the regular season carries more weight, affecting playoff standings and league records. As teams build depth and consistency, the playoff race will likely become even more thrilling and unpredictable, enhancing fan engagement and bringing more attention to the WNBA standings as a dynamic measure of team success.
The Unrivaled League’s Impact on WNBA Standings
An intriguing factor that could impact the future of the WNBA standings is the emergence of the Unrivaled League—a new initiative aimed at elevating women’s sports on a global stage. If Unrivaled gains traction, it could serve as a platform that shines an even greater spotlight on WNBA players, increasing their visibility worldwide. This expanded reach could lead to a broader fanbase for WNBA teams, affecting attendance, viewership, and possibly even team performance due to heightened player motivation and recognition.
If the Unrivaled League succeeds in drawing global fans, the WNBA may gain new sponsorships, better broadcast deals, and increased revenue. This growth would enable WNBA teams to invest more in scouting, training, and player development, which could lead to even more competitiveness in the WNBA standings. As Unrivaled brings a new audience to women’s basketball, the league might also consider expanding to new cities, creating more rivalries, and adding teams to further reshape the WNBA standings.
The WNBA All-Time Standings: A Legacy in the Making
The WNBA standings represent more than just a tally of victories and championships—they encapsulate the league’s journey, from its early years to its current status as a respected professional sports league. As more franchises make their mark, the WNBA standings could shift significantly, reflecting new records, rising stars, and breakthrough seasons. The standings serve as a historical record, chronicling the successes and challenges each team has faced while highlighting the growth of women’s professional basketball.
For fans, the WNBA standings offer a way to follow the league’s legacy and understand the rise of franchises over time. With teams like the Seattle Storm and Minnesota Lynx setting benchmarks in recent years, newer franchises are pushing to carve out their own legacies, aiming to climb the WNBA standings and etch their names among the league’s finest.
A Future Full of Promise
As each WNBA season passes, the WNBA standings will continue to serve as a thrilling barometer of success, resilience, and the drive to compete. Whether it’s seasoned teams vying to maintain their dominance or emerging squads determined to shake up the hierarchy, the WNBA standings will evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league and its ever-growing fanbase.
