Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Since its inaugural season in 1997, the WNBA has evolved through several distinct eras. Every decade has produced its own dominant superstars, championship dynasties, and revolutionary players who defined how the game was played. While many legends enjoyed success across multiple decades, each era belonged to a select group of players who consistently stood above the rest.

Here’s a look at the best WNBA players by decade, highlighting the stars who defined each generation.

The Late 1990s (1997–1999)

The WNBA’s opening years established the league with legendary veterans who immediately became household names.

1. Cynthia Cooper

Houston Comets

No player dominated the league’s first three seasons like Cynthia Cooper.

Highlights

  • Two MVP awards
  • Four consecutive championships (1997–2000)
  • Four Finals MVP awards
  • League’s first superstar

2. Sheryl Swoopes

Houston Comets

Swoopes became one of the greatest two-way players in basketball history.

Achievements

  • Elite defender
  • Championship cornerstone
  • Future three-time MVP

3. Lisa Leslie

Los Angeles Sparks

Leslie emerged as the league’s premier center during its formative years.

Known for

  • Dominant post play
  • Elite defense
  • Growing media presence

4. Tina Thompson

Houston Comets

The first player selected in WNBA Draft history helped anchor the Comets’ dynasty.

5. Yolanda Griffith

Sacramento Monarchs

Griffith quickly became one of the league’s most dominant rebounders and defenders, winning MVP in 1999.

The 2000s (2000–2009)

The league expanded rapidly, introducing new franchises and a generation of Hall of Fame talent.

1. Lauren Jackson

Seattle Storm

The defining player of the decade.

Highlights

  • Three MVP awards
  • Two championships
  • Defensive Player of the Year

2. Diana Taurasi

Phoenix Mercury

Taurasi revolutionized perimeter scoring.

Achievements

  • MVP
  • Three championships
  • Finals MVP

3. Tamika Catchings

Indiana Fever

The league’s greatest defensive wing.

Career highlights

  • Five Defensive Player of the Year awards
  • MVP
  • Franchise icon

4. Sue Bird

Seattle Storm

Bird became the era’s premier point guard.

5. Lisa Leslie

Los Angeles Sparks

Leslie continued her dominance with additional MVP awards and championships.

Honorable Mentions

  • Sheryl Swoopes
  • Becky Hammon
  • Yolanda Griffith
  • Cappie Pondexter

The 2010s (2010–2019)

Positionless basketball became increasingly common as versatile forwards and elite wings took over the league.

1. Maya Moore

Minnesota Lynx

The face of Minnesota’s dynasty.

Highlights

  • MVP
  • Finals MVP
  • Four championships

2. Candace Parker

Los Angeles Sparks

One of the greatest all-around players ever.

Achievements

  • Two MVP awards
  • Championship
  • Finals MVP

3. Elena Delle Donne

Chicago Sky / Washington Mystics

Historic shooting efficiency and two MVP awards defined her decade.

4. Sylvia Fowles

Minnesota Lynx

The era’s premier defensive center.

Highlights

  • Four Defensive Player of the Year awards
  • Finals MVP
  • Champion

5. Breanna Stewart

Seattle Storm

Stewart closed the decade by becoming the league’s next dominant superstar.

Honorable Mentions

  • Diana Taurasi
  • Sue Bird
  • Tina Charles
  • Nneka Ogwumike
  • Seimone Augustus

The 2020s (2020–Present)

The modern WNBA emphasizes pace, spacing, versatility, and unprecedented global popularity.

1. A’ja Wilson

Las Vegas Aces

The defining player of the decade so far.

Achievements

  • Three MVP awards
  • Multiple championships
  • Multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards
  • Finals MVP

2. Breanna Stewart

Seattle Storm / New York Liberty

Stewart has remained one of basketball’s most complete players throughout the decade.

3. Napheesa Collier

Minnesota Lynx

Collier has emerged as one of the league’s elite two-way forwards, combining efficient scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility while becoming a perennial MVP candidate.

4. Sabrina Ionescu

New York Liberty

Ionescu has become one of the WNBA’s premier playmakers and long-range shooters.

5. Caitlin Clark

Indiana Fever

Clark has already left a significant mark on the league through her record-setting rookie season, exceptional passing, deep shooting range, and enormous impact on television ratings, attendance, and fan engagement.

Honorable Mentions

  • Jonquel Jones
  • Alyssa Thomas
  • Chelsea Gray
  • Kahleah Copper
  • Arike Ogunbowale

WNBA All-Decade First Teams

Late 1990s

Position Player
G Cynthia Cooper
G Sheryl Swoopes
F Tina Thompson
F Lisa Leslie
C Yolanda Griffith

2000s

Position Player
G Diana Taurasi
G Sue Bird
F Tamika Catchings
F Lauren Jackson
C Lisa Leslie

2010s

Position Player
G Diana Taurasi
G Maya Moore
F Candace Parker
F Elena Delle Donne
C Sylvia Fowles

2020s

Position Player
G Sabrina Ionescu
G Caitlin Clark
F Breanna Stewart
F A’ja Wilson
C Jonquel Jones

Players Who Dominated Multiple Decades

Player Decades
Lisa Leslie 1990s, 2000s
Diana Taurasi 2000s, 2010s, 2020s
Sue Bird 2000s, 2010s, 2020s
Candace Parker 2000s, 2010s, 2020s
Breanna Stewart 2010s, 2020s
A’ja Wilson 2010s, 2020s
Sylvia Fowles 2000s, 2010s, 2020s

Final Thoughts

Every decade of WNBA history has introduced players who elevated the league to new heights. Cynthia Cooper and Lisa Leslie established the league’s foundation in the late 1990s, Lauren Jackson, Diana Taurasi, and Tamika Catchings defined the 2000s, while Maya Moore, Candace Parker, and Sylvia Fowles led the 2010s. In the current era, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark continue to shape the future of the WNBA and inspire the next generation of stars.