Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft carries enormous expectations. Franchises expect these players to become stars, transform struggling teams, compete for championships, and ultimately become the faces of the league.
Since the inaugural WNBA Draft in 1997, many No. 1 selections have exceeded expectations by winning MVP awards, championships, Rookie of the Year honors, and Olympic gold medals. Others developed into franchise icons whose influence extended far beyond the basketball court.
The rankings below evaluate every No. 1 overall pick based on career accomplishments, individual awards, championships, longevity, statistical production, and overall impact on the WNBA.
Ranking the Greatest No. 1 Overall Picks
| Rank | Player | Draft Year | Drafted By | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diana Taurasi | 2004 | Phoenix Mercury | WNBA all-time leading scorer, 3× Champion, MVP, Hall of Famer |
| 2 | Lauren Jackson | 2001 | Seattle Storm | 3× MVP, 2× Champion, Hall of Famer |
| 3 | Candace Parker | 2008 | Los Angeles Sparks | 2× MVP, 3× Champion, Finals MVP |
| 4 | A’ja Wilson | 2018 | Las Vegas Aces | Multiple MVPs, multiple championships, Defensive Player of the Year |
| 5 | Breanna Stewart | 2016 | Seattle Storm | Multiple MVPs, multiple championships, Finals MVP |
| 6 | Maya Moore | 2011 | Minnesota Lynx | 4× Champion, MVP, Finals MVP |
| 7 | Lisa Leslie* | 1997 | Los Angeles Sparks | 3× MVP, 2× Champion, Hall of Famer |
| 8 | Tamika Catchings | 2001 | Indiana Fever | MVP, Champion, Defensive Player of the Year |
| 9 | Tina Charles | 2010 | Connecticut Sun | MVP, scoring and rebounding champion |
| 10 | Elena Delle Donne | 2013 | Chicago Sky | 2× MVP, Champion, Finals appearance |
| 11 | Caitlin Clark | 2024 | Indiana Fever | Rookie of the Year, All-WNBA First Team, record-setting playmaker |
| 12 | Chamique Holdsclaw | 1999 | Washington Mystics | Rookie of the Year, 6× All-Star |
| 13 | Brittney Griner | 2013 | Phoenix Mercury | Champion, Defensive Player of the Year, multiple All-WNBA selections |
| 14 | Seimone Augustus | 2006 | Minnesota Lynx | 4× Champion, Finals MVP |
| 15 | Sue Bird | 2002 | Seattle Storm | 4× Champion, all-time assists leader, Hall of Famer |
| 16 | Sabrina Ionescu | 2020 | New York Liberty | All-WNBA guard and championship contender |
| 17 | Kelsey Plum | 2017 | San Antonio Stars | Champion, All-Star, All-WNBA |
| 18 | Aliyah Boston | 2023 | Indiana Fever | Rookie of the Year and All-Star |
| 19 | Angel McCoughtry | 2009 | Atlanta Dream | Multiple scoring titles and All-WNBA selections |
| 20 | Nneka Ogwumike | 2012 | Los Angeles Sparks | MVP, Champion, Finals MVP candidate |
| 21 | Paige Bueckers | 2025 | Dallas Wings | Promising young franchise cornerstone |
| 22 | Rhyne Howard | 2022 | Atlanta Dream | Rookie of the Year and All-Star |
| 23 | Jackie Stiles | 2001 | Portland Fire | Rookie of the Year despite injury-shortened career |
| 24 | Jewell Loyd | 2015 | Seattle Storm | Multiple champion and All-WNBA guard |
| 25 | Natasha Howard | 2014 | Indiana Fever | Defensive Player of the Year and champion |
*Lisa Leslie entered the WNBA as an allocation player before the inaugural 1997 season rather than through the traditional college draft, but she is frequently grouped with the league’s foundational No. 1-caliber stars. If considering only traditional draft selections, she would be excluded from the rankings.
Honorable Mention No. 1 Picks
These top selections enjoyed successful WNBA careers, even if they fall just outside the upper tier.
| Player | Draft Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Wauters | 2000 | WNBA champion and international legend |
| Lindsey Harding | 2007 | Productive veteran point guard |
| Janel McCarville | 2005 | Elite passing center |
| Chiney Ogwumike | 2014 | Rookie of the Year and All-Star |
| Charli Collier | 2021 | Dallas franchise centerpiece during rebuilding years |
| Kiki Iriafen | 2026 | Early stages of professional career |
The Greatest No. 1 Picks
Several first overall selections have become all-time legends.
Diana Taurasi (2004)
Diana Taurasi represents the gold standard for No. 1 overall picks. She became the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, won multiple championships and MVP awards, and built one of the greatest careers in basketball history.
Lauren Jackson (2001)
Lauren Jackson revolutionized the forward position with her unique combination of size, shooting, and defensive versatility. A three-time MVP and two-time champion, she remains one of the greatest international players ever.
Candace Parker (2008)
Candace Parker made history by winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Her versatility transformed the power forward position and helped redefine modern women’s basketball.
A’ja Wilson (2018)
A’ja Wilson has already established herself among the greatest players ever selected first overall. Her dominance on both ends of the floor has powered the Las Vegas Aces to multiple championships while earning multiple MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Breanna Stewart (2016)
Breanna Stewart’s professional career has mirrored her collegiate success. She has become one of the league’s most complete players through elite scoring, rebounding, defense, and championship performances.
What Defines a Great No. 1 Pick?
Several factors separate legendary first overall selections from simply successful professionals.
- MVP awards.
- WNBA championships.
- Finals MVP honors.
- All-WNBA selections.
- Defensive awards.
- Longevity and consistency.
- Franchise leadership.
- Lasting influence on the league.
The greatest No. 1 picks become far more than elite players—they become the faces of franchises and ambassadors for the sport.
The Legacy of First Overall Picks
The WNBA Draft has consistently produced transformative talent at the top of the board. From Lauren Jackson and Diana Taurasi to Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark, No. 1 overall picks have shaped nearly every era of league history.
As new stars continue to emerge, the list of legendary first overall selections will keep growing. The pressure that comes with hearing your name called first is immense, but the greatest No. 1 picks have consistently turned those expectations into Hall of Fame careers and lasting legacies.