Most Pivotal Players in WNBA History

15) Dawn Staley

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

Before becoming a Hall of Fame coach, Staley helped legitimize the league in its early years with her leadership and fiery playmaking. A three-time All-Star and defensive specialist, she inspired generations of point guards and was instrumental in setting the standard for competitive, high-IQ basketball in the WNBA’s formative seasons.

14) Elizabeth Cambage

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

Known as one of the most dominant post presences of her era, Cambage made waves both on and off the court. She set the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points in 2018, while also using her voice to advocate for social justice and player empowerment within the league.

13) Maya Moore

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

Moore was one of the greatest winners the league has ever seen, capturing four WNBA championships and a league MVP in 2014. Beyond her dominance on the court, she made history by stepping away in her prime to fight for social justice, reshaping the conversation around athlete activism.

12) Rebekkah Brunson

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

The ultimate glue player, Brunson is the WNBA’s all-time leader in championships with five rings. Known for her relentless rebounding and defensive grit, she was a key part of both Sacramento’s 2005 title and Minnesota’s dynasty years. Her durability and selflessness made her one of the league’s most respected veterans.

11) Sylvia Fowles

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

One of the most dominant centers in league history, Fowles was a two-time champion and two-time Finals MVP. Known for her rebounding and shot-blocking, she anchored some of the best defenses in WNBA history. Off the court, Fowles was a quiet leader and an advocate for mental wellness.

10) Tamika Catchings

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

Catchings was the embodiment of effort, leadership, and consistency. A 10-time All-Star, five-time Defensive Player of the Year, and 2011 league MVP, she led Indiana to its only championship in 2012. Beyond her numbers, Catchings’ relentless two-way game left an indelible mark on how wings play in the WNBA.

9) Diana Taurasi

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, Taurasi’s fearless shot-making and trash talk made her one of the league’s most magnetic and clutch stars. With three championships and an MVP to her name, “The White Mamba” is synonymous with big moments and has raised the profile of women’s pro hoops globally.

8) Skylar Diggins-Smith

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

Diggins-Smith became a face of the league for a new generation, bringing dynamic guard play and crossover mainstream appeal. A multiple-time All-Star, she’s one of the W’s most skilled scorers and playmakers. Skylar’s advocacy for women’s health and player rights has also positioned her as a leader beyond basketball.

7) Tina Charles

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

One of the league’s premier scorers and rebounders, Charles won the 2012 MVP and earned multiple scoring titles. Known for her versatile post moves and toughness inside, she’s also made major contributions off the court through her charity work and filmmaking, shining a light on social and health issues.

6) Brittney Griner

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

A generational talent at 6'9", Griner changed the WNBA with her rim protection and above-the-rim finishes. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year and WNBA champion, she was the league’s most intimidating presence for a decade. Griner’s resilience and advocacy for equality have made her story resonate worldwide.

5) Tina Thompson

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

As a founding member of the Houston Comets dynasty, Thompson won four championships and was known for her signature red lipstick and relentless scoring ability. She became the first player in league history to score 7,000 points and paved the way for power forwards with a perimeter-oriented offensive game.

4) Candace Parker

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

A two-time MVP and multi-time champion, Parker’s versatility revolutionized the forward position. She could rebound, score, pass, and defend at an elite level. Beyond basketball, Parker became a prominent TV analyst and advocate for women in sports, inspiring the next generation to demand respect and visibility on every level.

3) Sue Bird

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

The ultimate floor general, Bird spent over two decades with the Seattle Storm, capturing four titles and becoming the league’s all-time assist leader. Her longevity and leadership on and off the court made her one of the most beloved and pivotal figures in league history, known for grace under pressure.

2) Sheryl Swoopes

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

The WNBA’s original superstar, Swoopes was the league’s first MVP and a defensive menace. She helped power Houston to four straight titles and was the prototype for the modern two-way wing. Swoopes’ influence extended far beyond the court as one of the early faces of women’s pro basketball in America.

1) Lisa Leslie

15) Dawn Staley, 14) Elizabeth Cambage, 13) Maya Moore, 12) Rebekkah Brunson, 11) Sylvia Fowles, 10) Tamika Catchings, 9) Diana Taurasi, 8) Skylar Diggins-Smith, 7) Tina Charles, 6) Brittney Griner, 5) Tina Thompson, 4) Candace Parker, 3) Sue Bird, 2) Sheryl Swoopes, 1) Lisa Leslie

The league’s first true icon, Leslie was the WNBA’s inaugural superstar and first player to dunk in a game. A three-time MVP and two-time champion, she elevated the visibility of the league through dominant play and consistent media presence. Leslie set the standard for greatness in women’s basketball.

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