WNBA players who made history before their 25th birthdays have defined the league across its 30 seasons. As the WNBA Finals close out the 2026 campaign, ESPN’s ranking of the 30 greatest players in league history is a reminder that greatness often arrives early.
Why Young WNBA Players Who Made History Matter
Early success sets the tone for a whole career. Many of the league’s all-time greats won awards, titles, and records while still in their early twenties. For more on how these careers are remembered, see WNBA stars’ legacies beyond scoring.
The 10 Trailblazers
1. Lauren Jackson: She was the No. 1 pick in 2001 at just 19. She won the first of her three MVP awards in 2003 and anchored Seattle’s 2004 title.
2. Candace Parker: In 2008, she was named both Rookie of the Year and MVP, a rare double that showed how the modern multiposition player could dominate.
3. Maya Moore: She won Rookie of the Year in 2011 and a championship with Minnesota in the same season. Her eight-year career produced four titles.
4. Tina Charles: She took Rookie of the Year in 2010 and won MVP in 2012, becoming one of the most productive players the league has seen.
5. Breanna Stewart: She won Rookie of the Year in 2016, then collected MVP and Finals MVP honors and a title in 2018.
6. A’ja Wilson: She won her first MVP in 2020 and has since grown into the league’s top-ranked player. Read more about her résumé in A’ja Wilson’s achievements.
7. Caitlin Clark: The No. 1 pick in 2024 has averaged 20.2 points and 8.4 assists, and she appeared on five of 23 ranking ballots despite playing only three seasons.
8. Angel Reese: The No. 7 pick in 2024 has averaged 15.0 points and 12.6 rebounds. She now has the Atlanta Dream up 2-1 in the Finals. Her game keeps evolving, as covered in Angel Reese’s new skill.
9. Paige Bueckers: The Rookie of the Year who followed Clark is already in the conversation for a future all-time list.
10. Olivia Miles: The most recent Rookie of the Year completes a young core that ESPN’s Michael Voepel expects to be discussed for years.
What These WNBA Players Who Made History Share
Each of these WNBA players who made history showed rare poise under pressure. Jackson and Charles pushed their teams with scoring and rebounding. Parker, Stewart, and Moore stacked awards on top of titles. Clark, Reese, Bueckers, and Miles are still building, but their early numbers suggest long careers ahead.
The Next Wave of Young Stars
Voepel notes that Clark and Reese have already proven to be the top players of their draft class, though both need more seasons to build a Hall of Fame case. Clark was limited to 13 games in her second year because of injuries. Even so, the early returns point to a new generation of WNBA players who made history before the age of 25.
FAQs
Who are the youngest WNBA players who made history?
Lauren Jackson was 19 when she was drafted No. 1 in 2001. She went on to win three MVP awards and two championships.
Which rookies won MVP early in their careers?
Candace Parker won Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2008, one of the most notable debuts in league history.
Are today’s rookies on the same path?
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Olivia Miles are all seen as strong candidates for future top-player lists.
How was ESPN’s top-30 list decided?
A panel of 23 ESPN reporters and staffers voted based on on-court performance, stats, championships, all-league honors, and awards.
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