Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Winning a WNBA championship is the ultimate team accomplishment, but earning the WNBA Finals MVP award means a player delivered when the stakes were highest. Since the league’s inaugural season in 1997, only a select group of stars have claimed the honor, with a handful winning it multiple times. (WNBA)
Below is a ranking of the greatest WNBA Finals MVPs based on Finals dominance, historical significance, championship impact, and overall career legacy.
1. Cynthia Cooper (4 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
No player owns the WNBA Finals quite like Cynthia Cooper. She won Finals MVP in each of Houston’s four consecutive championships, averaging elite scoring while setting the standard for postseason greatness. Her perfect 4-for-4 record remains one of the league’s most untouchable achievements.
Why she’s No. 1
- Only four-time Finals MVP
- Led the Houston Comets dynasty
- Dominated every Finals appearance
2. A’ja Wilson (2 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 2023, 2025
Already one of the greatest two-way players in basketball history, A’ja Wilson has elevated her game on the biggest stage. Her interior dominance, defense, rebounding and scoring have powered multiple Las Vegas championships, making her one of the defining postseason performers of the modern era. (Basketball Reference)
Career Finals highlights
- Elite scorer and defender
- Consistently dominant in championship series
- Face of the Aces dynasty
3. Breanna Stewart (2 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 2018, 2020
Breanna Stewart wasted little time becoming one of the league’s premier playoff stars. Her versatile offensive game, rim protection and efficiency helped Seattle capture two championships with Stewart earning Finals MVP both times.
Strengths
- Elite scorer from every level
- Outstanding defender
- One of the most complete forwards ever
4. Sylvia Fowles (2 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 2015, 2017
Sylvia Fowles controlled games through defense, rebounding and efficient interior scoring. She anchored Minnesota’s dynasty while proving that dominant centers could still decide championships in the modern game.
Legacy
- Defensive anchor
- Elite rebounder
- One of the greatest centers in WNBA history
5. Diana Taurasi (2 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 2009, 2014
The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer also delivered memorable Finals performances. Taurasi’s leadership, shot-making and competitive edge were instrumental in Phoenix winning multiple championships.
Known for
- Clutch shooting
- Championship leadership
- Legendary playoff scorer
6. Lisa Leslie (2 Finals MVPs)
Finals MVPs: 2001, 2002
Lisa Leslie helped establish the Los Angeles Sparks as the league’s first post-Comets powerhouse. Her dominance inside made her nearly impossible to stop during back-to-back title runs.
Highlights
- Elite rim protector
- Dominant low-post scorer
- One of the league’s original superstars
7. Candace Parker
Finals MVP: 2016
Parker finally captured both her first championship and Finals MVP after years of playoff heartbreak. Her all-around brilliance helped the Sparks defeat the Minnesota Lynx in one of the greatest Finals series ever played.
Why she’s memorable
- Complete two-way player
- Outstanding passer for a forward
- Delivered in a historic championship
8. Maya Moore
Finals MVP: 2013
Maya Moore’s scoring, versatility and winning mentality powered Minnesota’s rise into a dynasty. Her Finals MVP capped one of the greatest peaks ever produced by a wing player.
Career impact
- Elite scorer
- Defensive versatility
- Multiple-time champion
9. Lauren Jackson
Finals MVP: 2010
Lauren Jackson dominated both ends of the floor while leading Seattle to another championship. Her unique combination of size, shooting and defense made her one of the most difficult matchups in league history.
Strengths
- Stretch big before it became common
- Elite rim protector
- Former league MVP
10. Tamika Catchings
Finals MVP: 2012
Catchings finally secured the championship that completed her Hall of Fame résumé. She excelled as Indiana’s leader, contributing across every statistical category while playing elite defense.
Legacy
- Defensive icon
- Complete all-around player
- Inspirational leader
11. Chelsea Gray
Finals MVP: 2022
Gray orchestrated one of the most efficient Finals performances ever by a point guard. Nicknamed the “Point Gawd,” she controlled every possession with elite decision-making and timely shot-making.
12. Jonquel Jones
Finals MVP: 2024
Jones powered the New York Liberty to the franchise’s first championship with efficient scoring, rebounding and outstanding interior defense. She consistently delivered in crucial moments throughout the series. (WNBA)
13. Seimone Augustus
Finals MVP: 2011
Augustus’ smooth scoring helped launch Minnesota’s dynasty. Her mid-range excellence and clutch shot-making proved decisive throughout the Finals.
14. Emma Meesseman
Finals MVP: 2019
Coming off the bench for much of the regular season before starring in the Finals, Meesseman delivered one of the most efficient championship performances in league history while leading Washington to its first title.
15. Kahleah Copper
Finals MVP: 2021
Copper’s relentless transition play, athleticism and scoring powered Chicago’s memorable championship run, culminating in a breakout Finals performance.
16. Cappie Pondexter
Finals MVP: 2007
Pondexter erupted offensively to lead Phoenix’s high-powered attack, proving herself as one of the league’s premier clutch scorers.
17. Katie Smith
Finals MVP: 2008
Smith’s veteran leadership and perimeter scoring guided Detroit to another championship while showcasing her reputation as one of the greatest shooting guards ever.
18. Yolanda Griffith
Finals MVP: 2005
Griffith anchored Sacramento’s championship with dominant rebounding and interior defense while providing efficient offense in the paint.
19. Deanna Nolan
Finals MVP: 2006
Nolan’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability helped Detroit repeat as champions, giving the Shock another elite postseason performer.
20. Betty Lennox
Finals MVP: 2004
Lennox enjoyed a remarkable Finals run, providing Seattle with outstanding scoring and energy en route to the franchise’s first championship.
21. Ruth Riley
Finals MVP: 2003
Riley’s interior presence proved vital as Detroit captured its first WNBA championship, anchoring the defense while controlling the paint.
Most WNBA Finals MVP Awards
| Rank | Player | Finals MVPs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cynthia Cooper | 4 |
| T-2 | A’ja Wilson | 2 |
| T-2 | Breanna Stewart | 2 |
| T-2 | Sylvia Fowles | 2 |
| T-2 | Diana Taurasi | 2 |
| T-2 | Lisa Leslie | 2 |
| T-7 | Candace Parker | 1 |
| T-7 | Maya Moore | 1 |
| T-7 | Lauren Jackson | 1 |
| T-7 | Tamika Catchings | 1 |
| T-7 | Chelsea Gray | 1 |
| T-7 | Jonquel Jones | 1 |
| T-7 | Seimone Augustus | 1 |
| T-7 | Emma Meesseman | 1 |
| T-7 | Kahleah Copper | 1 |
| T-7 | Cappie Pondexter | 1 |
| T-7 | Katie Smith | 1 |
| T-7 | Yolanda Griffith | 1 |
| T-7 | Deanna Nolan | 1 |
| T-7 | Betty Lennox | 1 |
| T-7 | Ruth Riley | 1 |
Final Thoughts
The WNBA Finals MVP award has been earned by some of the greatest players in basketball history. Cynthia Cooper’s unmatched four-award streak remains the gold standard, while modern legends like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart continue to build Hall of Fame résumés. With every championship series, new stars have the opportunity to join one of the league’s most exclusive clubs. (WNBA)