Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Every WNBA Draft introduces future stars, but some years stand above the rest. The greatest draft classes produce multiple All-Stars, MVPs, champions and future Hall of Famers, shaping the league for years or even decades.

Determining the best draft classes involves more than simply identifying the No. 1 overall pick. Depth, longevity, championships, individual awards and overall league impact all contribute to a draft class’s legacy.

Here are some of the strongest WNBA draft classes in league history.

2004 WNBA Draft

The 2004 draft is widely regarded as one of the deepest and most successful classes ever assembled.

Notable Players

  • Diana Taurasi (No. 1)
  • Lindsay Whalen (No. 4)
  • Alana Beard (No. 2)
  • Rebekkah Brunson (No. 10)
  • Nicole Powell (No. 9)

Why It Was Great

The class featured one of the greatest players in league history in Diana Taurasi while also producing elite point guards, outstanding defenders and championship contributors. Several players enjoyed careers lasting more than a decade.

2008 WNBA Draft

The 2008 draft produced multiple franchise-changing stars.

Notable Players

  • Candace Parker (No. 1)
  • Sylvia Fowles (No. 2)
  • Crystal Langhorne (No. 6)
  • Leilani Mitchell (Undrafted internationally before joining WNBA)
  • Tasha Humphrey (No. 11)

Why It Was Great

Candace Parker became the only rookie to win both Rookie of the Year and league MVP in the same season, while Sylvia Fowles developed into one of the greatest defensive players in basketball history.

2011 WNBA Draft

One superstar helped define this class, but its overall depth also proved exceptional.

Notable Players

  • Maya Moore (No. 1)
  • Danielle Adams (No. 20)
  • Danielle Robinson (No. 6)
  • Courtney Vandersloot (No. 3)
  • Liz Cambage (No. 2)

Why It Was Great

This class combined elite scoring, championship experience, outstanding point guard play and dominant interior talent. Several players became perennial All-Stars.

2013 WNBA Draft

The 2013 draft delivered one of the league’s greatest modern scorers.

Notable Players

  • Elena Delle Donne (No. 2)
  • Brittney Griner (No. 1)
  • Skylar Diggins-Smith (No. 3)
  • Alex Bentley (No. 13)

Why It Was Great

Three franchise players were selected with the first three picks. Each became an All-Star and played major roles for championship-contending teams throughout their careers.

2016 WNBA Draft

An outstanding class featuring elite talent throughout the first round.

Notable Players

  • Breanna Stewart (No. 1)
  • Moriah Jefferson (No. 2)
  • Rachel Banham (No. 4)
  • Aerial Powers (No. 5)
  • Jonquel Jones (No. 6)

Why It Was Great

Breanna Stewart emerged as one of the greatest players of her generation, while Jonquel Jones developed into a league MVP after being selected sixth overall. The class also included numerous long-term starters and championship contributors.

2018 WNBA Draft

This class helped shape the modern era of the league.

Notable Players

  • A’ja Wilson (No. 1)
  • Diamond DeShields (No. 3)
  • Jordin Canada (No. 5)
  • Ariel Atkins (No. 7)
  • Kia Nurse (No. 10)

Why It Was Great

A’ja Wilson became one of the league’s defining superstars, while several other first-round selections developed into All-Stars, Olympic players and championship contributors.

2020 WNBA Draft

Despite unusual circumstances caused by the global pandemic, the 2020 class quickly proved its quality.

Notable Players

  • Sabrina Ionescu (No. 1)
  • Satou Sabally (No. 2)
  • Chennedy Carter (No. 4)
  • Tyasha Harris (No. 7)
  • Crystal Dangerfield (No. 16)

Why It Was Great

The class produced elite guards, versatile forwards and several Rookie of the Year candidates, with multiple players quickly becoming foundational pieces for their franchises.

2024 WNBA Draft

Although still early in their careers, the 2024 class has already generated enormous excitement.

Notable Players

  • Caitlin Clark (No. 1)
  • Cameron Brink (No. 2)
  • Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3)
  • Rickea Jackson (No. 4)
  • Angel Reese (No. 7)

Why It Could Become Historic

The class delivered unprecedented media attention while several rookies made immediate impacts. If these players continue developing at their current pace, the 2024 draft could eventually rank among the greatest in WNBA history.

Honorable Mentions

Several additional draft classes deserve recognition for producing exceptional talent.

1999

  • Chamique Holdsclaw
  • Nicole Powell
  • Olympia Scott

A strong class that helped establish the league’s early competitive balance.

2002

  • Tamika Catchings
  • Sue Bird
  • Swin Cash
  • Chantelle Anderson

One of the greatest top-heavy classes ever assembled, featuring multiple Hall of Fame careers.

2023

  • Aliyah Boston
  • Diamond Miller
  • Maddy Siegrist
  • Jordan Horston

Already showing signs of becoming another outstanding modern draft class.

What Makes a Great Draft Class?

Several factors separate good draft classes from historically great ones.

Superstar Talent

Every elite class typically features at least one MVP-caliber player.

Depth

Strong draft classes produce contributors well beyond the lottery.

Longevity

Players who enjoy careers lasting 10 years or more add lasting value to their class.

Championships

Draft classes become even more significant when multiple players help lead championship teams.

Individual Awards

League MVPs, Finals MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year winners, Rookie of the Year recipients and All-WNBA selections all strengthen a class’s legacy.

Which Draft Class Is the Greatest?

There is no unanimous answer, but several classes consistently rank at the top.

Rank Draft Class Defining Stars
1 2004 Diana Taurasi, Lindsay Whalen, Alana Beard
2 2002 Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Swin Cash
3 2008 Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles
4 2013 Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins-Smith
5 2016 Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones

Final Thoughts

The greatest WNBA draft classes have shaped the history of the league by producing iconic players who transformed their franchises and elevated the sport. Whether through championships, MVP awards, Olympic success or record-breaking careers, these classes have left a lasting legacy.

As younger stars continue to develop, newer draft classes such as 2023 and 2024 have the potential to join this distinguished group. Their ultimate place in history will depend on sustained excellence, longevity and the championships they help their teams achieve over the coming years.