15 of the Best WNBA Players in the History of the League
The WNBA has soared to new heights in popularity, coming off its most-watched season ever. Brilliant players abound, and viewers of all demographics are tuning in for the basketball, the starpower, the fashion—and, of course, the trash talk. Between the explosive athleticism on the court and the outsized personalities among the players, the league’s intrigue is about more than just sports—it’s entertainment at its finest. In fact, Glamour’s contributing entertainment editor recently went so far as to call the WNBA the greatest reality show on television.
While the current buzz is fueling the league with fresh energy, this is just the latest chapter in a long and storied history, one that began in 1996 when it launched with just eight teams (it now has 15, and last year announced plans to expand to 18). With the WNBA’s 30th year rapidly approaching in 2026, this feels like the perfect time to take a step back and pay homage to some of the best WNBA players in the history of the league—and the epic feats that landed them on this elite roster.
As the internet argued over the “face of the league,” the women of the WNBA were coming together to fight for fair pay and a say in their future. These five athletes—and 2025 Glamour Women of the Year—represent the real draw of the WNBA: its players.
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Diana Taurasi
Phoenix Mercury (2004—2024)
The shooting guard that many regard as a living legend holds the record for most points scored, has the highest offensive win share total (60.49—the next best player isn’t even close), and is widely considered the best offensive player in league history. Then there’s the sheer longevity of her dominance: Taurasi won her first All-WNBA award as a rookie in 2004, and her most recent one 16 years later. And during her two decades in the WNBA, she was an 11-time All-Star and helped lead the Mercury to three championships before announcing her retirement in 2025.
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A'ja Wilson
Las Vegas Aces (2018—present)
She’s been called the LeBron James of the WNBA, and is widely considered the current best player in the league (although Napheesa Collier is giving her a run for her money). The No. 1 draft pick in 2018, the 6’4” center was the first to score 1000 points in a season, holds the record for most points in a season (1,021 points in 2024), and is one of just eight players ever to be named league MVP multiple times (four wins and counting). With a WNBA-leading 28.3 points per game last season, she’s won two championships and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and the list goes on. Many already consider her the GOAT, and she’s not done yet.
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Breanna Stewart
Seattle Storm (2016—present)
A versatile forward with multiple MVP awards and championships under her belt, “Stewie” is another player who enters GOAT conversations when it comes to the WNBA. Her 7’1” wingspan gives her a huge advantage in shooting and passing, she’s equally elite on D, and she’s known to outpace opponents down the floor on offense. From effortless dribbling and fakes to hitting three-pointers, she’s known for next-level athleticism and skill. Until recently, she held the WNBA record for single-season points (that now belongs to A’ja Wilson) and was one of the fastest players to reach 4,000 career points.
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Tamika Catchings
Indiana Fever (2002—2016)
One of the most well-rounded players ever to hit the court and No. 1 based on stats alone, the legendary Fever forward is the only player in the league to finish a season in the top 10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—something she accomplished not once but twice. Known for her ability to score from anywhere, she’s also the league’s all-time leader for steals. She earned a record-setting five Defensive Player of the Year awards, 11 All-Star selections, a WNBA MVP award, and a WNBA championship in 2012.
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Lisa Leslie
Los Angeles Sparks (1997—2009)
The first player to dunk in a WNBA game (in 2002), the 6’5” center was a pioneer of the league in its early years and is widely considered one of the best to ever play the position. She was revered and feared as a game-defining force on both ends of the court—an elite scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. Peaks of her career included three MVP awards and two WNBA championships. She’s also known for mentoring and teaching current-day superstars like Candace Parker.
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Cynthia Cooper
Houston Comets (1997—2000)
“Coop” was the WNBA's first megastar—sometimes called the league’s Michael Jordan—and the first WNBAer inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. That’s despite the fact that the 5’10” guard was already 34 years old when the league was created. She still clocked an average of 21 points per game and led the Comets to four consecutive championships. Her exciting style of play brought fans out to watch, helping prove there was a market for women’s ball and inspiring a new generation of players.
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Candace Parker
Los Angeles Sparks (2008—2020); Chicago Sky (2021—2022); Las Vegas Aces (2023)
The first player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, Parker is famous for her ability to play any position. One of the first hybrid "point forwards" capable of playing and guarding all five positions; despite her 6’4” shooting advantage, she also has the nimble ball skills and vision of a point guard. She’s also known for her high basketball IQ, precision passing, and smart decisions on the court—and for leading three different teams to championships, proving her game-changing impact.
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Sue Bird
Seattle Storm (2002—2022)
One of the best point guards in WNBA history and another of its living legends, Bird played in and started more games than any other player in the league. She also broke her nose at least five times during her career, resulting in her often wearing a protective plastic mask and getting the nickname “Masked Bird.”
The starting point guard in four Storm championships, she’s known for her passing, shooting skills, playmaking, leadership, and basketball IQ.
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Lauren Jackson
Seattle Storm (2001—2012)
The top pick in the 2001 draft, the 6’5” Storm forward was one of the most transformative players to ever set foot in the WNBA, according to ESPN. Jackson was one of the first "stretch 4" players—a power forward who can hit long-range and three-point shots. The Australian native was the first international player to be named WNBA MVP, and helped build a team that won two championships.
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Maya Moore
Minnesota Lynx (2011—2018)
Widely regarded as a “generational talent,” the 2011 number-one draft pick went on to become the face of the WNBA during her years with the Lynx and helped the team win four championships. Her smooth jump shot, exceptional athleticism and footwork, and well-rounded play on both ends of the court made her nearly unstoppable.
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Sylvia Fowles
Chicago Sky (2008—2014); Minnesota Lynx (2015—present)
Another of the greatest centers and double-threat players in league history, Fowles was a top-tier rebounder and scorer who helped lead the Lynx to two championships. She was named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year four times—second only to Tamika Catchings—and held the record for most career double-doubles until Tina Charles surpassed her in 2025.
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Sheryl Swoopes
Houston Comets (1997—2007); Seattle Storm (2008); Tulsa Shock (2011)
The first player to take home a NCAA championship, a WNBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal, Swoopes set the tone for what it means to be a women’s basketball star. She also set the standard for the modern-day wing player, with her versatile combination of scoring, fierce defense, and playmaking. With a talent for making clutch plays at just the right moment, she helped make the Comets an unstoppable dynasty during the league’s earliest years.
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Elena Delle Donne
Chicago Sky (2013—2016); Washington Mystics (2017—2025)
This 6’5” recently retired great was known for her unique combination of size and agility on both ends of the court and helped lead the Mystics to a championship in 2019. That same year, she became the WNBA’s first player to join the 50-40-90 club—a statistical benchmark used to distinguish excellent shooters (only one other player, Napheesa Collier, has since joined her). She also holds the league record for free-throw accuracy, at 93.9 percent over her career.
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Tina Thompson
Houston Comets (1997—2008); Los Angeles Sparks (2009—2011), Seattle Storm (2012—2013)
The first pick of the inaugural WNBA draft lived up to her promise, becoming a key part of the Comets dynasty that won four straight championships. Another of the pioneer “stretch 4” players, she had a legendary work ethic and when she ended her career, was the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer (a record she held until 2017).
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Tina Charles
Connecticut Sun (2010—2013 and 2025—present); New York Liberty (2014—2019); Washington Mystics (2020—2021); Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm (2022); Atlanta Dream (2024)
Drafted by the Sun as the No. 1 pick in 2010 and recently re-signed to the team, Charles has been called the greatest player of all time without a ring, since despite playing with many franchises, she’s yet to win a WNBA championship. The center has her own long list of significant wins, though, including holding the records for career rebounds (4,262), defensive rebounds (2885), and double-doubles (200). She’s also the WNBA’s No. 2 career scorer—second only to the legendary Taurasi.
