Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The WNBA Draft has shaped the history of every franchise. A single selection can alter a team’s trajectory for years, producing championships, MVP awards, franchise records, and Hall of Fame careers. While free agency and trades have also played major roles throughout league history, many of the WNBA’s greatest dynasties were built around homegrown talent acquired through the draft.
The players below represent arguably the most important draft pick in each franchise’s history. These selections were chosen based on long-term impact, individual accomplishments, championships, franchise records, leadership, and their role in defining the identity of their organizations.
Most Important Draft Pick by Franchise
| Franchise | Player | Draft Year | Pick | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Dream | Angel McCoughtry | 2009 | No. 1 | Transformed the expansion franchise into a perennial Finals contender |
| Chicago Sky | Elena Delle Donne | 2013 | No. 2 | First league MVP in franchise history and changed the team’s trajectory |
| Connecticut Sun (Orlando Miracle) | Tina Charles | 2010 | No. 1 | League MVP and one of the franchise’s greatest players |
| Dallas Wings (Detroit Shock/Tulsa Shock) | Cheryl Ford | 2003 | No. 3 | Helped launch Detroit’s championship dynasty |
| Golden State Valkyries | Justė Jocytė | 2025 | No. 5 | First-ever draft selection in franchise history |
| Indiana Fever | Caitlin Clark | 2024 | No. 1 | Instantly transformed the franchise’s popularity and future outlook |
| Las Vegas Aces (Utah Starzz/San Antonio Stars) | A’ja Wilson | 2018 | No. 1 | Franchise cornerstone and multiple-time MVP |
| Los Angeles Sparks | Lisa Leslie | 1997 | Allocation Player* | Foundational superstar of the franchise |
| Minnesota Lynx | Maya Moore | 2011 | No. 1 | Catalyst for one of the greatest dynasties in league history |
| New York Liberty | Sabrina Ionescu | 2020 | No. 1 | Ushered in a new championship-contending era |
| Phoenix Mercury | Diana Taurasi | 2004 | No. 1 | Widely regarded as the greatest player in franchise history |
| Seattle Storm | Sue Bird | 2002 | No. 1 | Defined the franchise for two decades |
| Washington Mystics | Chamique Holdsclaw | 1999 | No. 1 | First true superstar in franchise history |
*Lisa Leslie joined the Sparks as an Allocation Player before the inaugural 1997 season rather than through the traditional WNBA Draft. She remains the franchise’s foundational player, but Candace Parker (2008, No. 1 overall) is often considered the franchise’s most significant conventional draft selection.
Honorable Mention Draft Picks
Several franchises had multiple draft selections worthy of consideration.
| Franchise | Other Historic Draft Picks |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Dream | Rhyne Howard, Tiffany Hayes |
| Chicago Sky | Sylvia Fowles, Courtney Vandersloot |
| Connecticut Sun | Alyssa Thomas, Nykesha Sales |
| Dallas Wings | Deanna Nolan, Arike Ogunbowale |
| Indiana Fever | Tamika Catchings, Aliyah Boston |
| Las Vegas Aces | Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young |
| Los Angeles Sparks | Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike |
| Minnesota Lynx | Seimone Augustus, Napheesa Collier |
| New York Liberty | Rebecca Lobo, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton* |
| Phoenix Mercury | Brittney Griner, Penny Taylor |
| Seattle Storm | Lauren Jackson, Breanna Stewart |
| Washington Mystics | Alana Beard, Elena Delle Donne* |
*Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Elena Delle Donne joined their respective franchises through trades or free agency rather than being drafted by those teams, but they became franchise-changing players after arriving.
Draft Picks That Changed Franchise History
Several selections reshaped the fortunes of entire organizations.
A’ja Wilson turned the Las Vegas Aces into the league’s modern powerhouse, leading the franchise to multiple championships while earning several MVP awards.
Maya Moore elevated the Minnesota Lynx into one of the greatest dynasties in WNBA history, helping capture four championships during the 2010s.
Sue Bird provided Seattle with elite leadership and consistency for two decades, becoming the face of the Storm while winning four WNBA championships.
Diana Taurasi has spent her entire professional career with Phoenix, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in virtually every offensive category while leading the Mercury to multiple titles.
Angel McCoughtry immediately established Atlanta as a perennial contender, guiding the Dream to multiple WNBA Finals appearances during her prime.
What Makes a Draft Pick Truly Great?
Several factors distinguish franchise-defining draft selections from simply productive players.
- Long-term impact on franchise success.
- Championships and postseason achievements.
- MVPs, Finals MVPs, and major individual awards.
- Franchise statistical records.
- Longevity with the organization.
- Leadership and cultural influence.
- Ability to elevate teammates and transform a franchise’s identity.
Some selections became immediate superstars, while others steadily developed into franchise legends over many seasons.
The Legacy of the WNBA Draft
Throughout WNBA history, the draft has remained the league’s most important avenue for building championship teams. From pioneers like Lisa Leslie and Chamique Holdsclaw to modern superstars such as A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, and Aliyah Boston, franchise-changing draft picks continue to shape the future of women’s professional basketball. As new generations of talent enter the league, the next transformational draft selection may already be preparing to become the face of her franchise.