WNBA stars have shaped the league through far more than points and box scores. Since 1996, the WNBA has grown from a skeptical experiment into a cultural force, powered by players who won titles, broke barriers, and used their platforms off the court. Here are 10 WNBA stars whose influence reaches well beyond scoring.
1. Lisa Leslie: The Trailblazer Who Dunked First
Lisa Leslie spent her entire career with the Los Angeles Sparks, winning two championships and three MVPs. She also became the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and won four Olympic gold medals, giving the league one of its first iconic moments.
2. Sheryl Swoopes: The First Signature Shoe
Among all WNBA stars, Sheryl Swoopes broke some of the biggest commercial barriers. The first player signed by the league won four titles with the Houston Comets and three MVPs. Nike’s Air Swoopes made her the first woman with her own signature shoe.
3. Sue Bird: Winning Across Decades
Sue Bird was the first WNBA player to win championships in three different decades, all with the Seattle Storm. She also collected five Olympic gold medals, setting a standard for longevity and leadership.
4. Candace Parker: Making History in One Season
Candace Parker was the first WNBA player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She later won titles with the Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces, and her versatility changed expectations for her position.
5. Brittney Griner: Advocacy and Visibility
Brittney Griner starred for the Phoenix Mercury, winning a championship along with multiple scoring and blocks titles. Off the court, she became the first openly gay athlete to sign a Nike endorsement deal and spoke out about the killing of Breonna Taylor.
6. Skylar Diggins-Smith: Hip Hop’s Favorite Hooper
Skylar Diggins-Smith earned admiration from Hip Hop artists and was regularly name-checked in songs. She was the first female athlete signed by Roc Nation Sports and landed deals with Nike and BODYARMOR, helping raise the league’s profile.
7. Sylvia Fowles: The Rebounding Queen
Sylvia Fowles helped the Minnesota Lynx win two championships and earned four Defensive Player of the Year awards. She is the league’s all-time rebounding leader and the only player to pass 4,000 career boards.
8. Rebekkah Brunson: Winning and Mentoring
A few WNBA stars match Rebekkah Brunson’s résumé of five championships, five All-Star selections, and six All-Defensive Second Team honors. She now serves as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Lynx, passing her knowledge to the next generation.
9. Tamika Catchings: Defense and Longevity
Tamika Catchings spent her whole career with the Indiana Fever, winning a title. She earned 10 All-Star nods, 12 All-WNBA selections, and 12 All-Defensive team honors, showing that impact can come from effort and consistency.
10. Dawn Staley: From Player to Coaching Icon
Dawn Staley was a six-time All-Star with the Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets and won three gold medals with USA Basketball. She later became a champion NCAA coach, proving that a player’s legacy can keep growing on the sideline.
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FAQs
Who was the first WNBA player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in one season?
Candace Parker, who achieved the feat in the same season.
Which player has the most rebounds in WNBA history?
Sylvia Fowles, the only player to pass 4,000 career rebounds.
Why are these WNBA stars considered legacy builders?
Beyond championships and awards, they earned endorsements, advocated for social causes, and coached and broke firsts that helped grow the league.
Who was the first woman to get a signature shoe?
Sheryl Swoopes, with Nike’s Air Swoopes.