Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
When the WNBA tipped off its inaugural season in 1997, the league needed more than talented athletes—it needed pioneers. The first generation of players laid the foundation for everything the WNBA has become. They introduced professional women’s basketball to millions of fans, established rivalries, built championship dynasties, and inspired future stars.
Many of these players were already Olympic champions, collegiate legends, or international icons before the WNBA existed. Their willingness to embrace the new league helped ensure its long-term success.
Here are the foundational players who defined the WNBA’s inaugural era.
1. Cynthia Cooper
Houston Comets
No player shaped the league’s early success more than Cynthia Cooper. At age 34 during the inaugural season, she immediately became the WNBA’s biggest star, winning the first two MVP awards while leading Houston to four consecutive championships.
Why she’s foundational
- First WNBA MVP
- Four-time Finals MVP
- Four-time champion
- Set the standard for postseason excellence
2. Lisa Leslie
Los Angeles Sparks
Lisa Leslie quickly became the face of women’s basketball in America. Her combination of athleticism, dominance in the paint, and media appeal helped introduce the league to mainstream audiences.
Career highlights
- Three MVP awards
- Two championships
- First player to dunk in a WNBA game
- Hall of Famer
3. Sheryl Swoopes
Houston Comets
Already one of the world’s best players before the WNBA launched, Swoopes became one of the league’s premier two-way stars.
Achievements
- Three-time MVP
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Four championships
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
4. Tina Thompson
Houston Comets
The first player selected in WNBA Draft history became the model of consistency and longevity.
Legacy
- Four championships
- Nine-time All-Star
- One of the league’s all-time leading scorers
- Hall of Famer
5. Rebecca Lobo
New York Liberty
Although injuries limited her playing career, Rebecca Lobo’s impact during the WNBA’s launch was enormous. Fresh off an iconic college career at UConn, she became one of the league’s first nationally recognized stars.
Why she mattered
- Helped introduce the league to new fans
- Major media presence
- Later became one of the sport’s most respected broadcasters
6. Teresa Weatherspoon
New York Liberty
Few players embodied toughness and leadership like Teresa Weatherspoon.
Known for
- Elite defense
- Outstanding leadership
- Two-time Defensive Player of the Year
- New York franchise icon
7. Jennifer Azzi
Detroit Shock
Already an Olympic gold medalist before the WNBA began, Azzi helped establish professional women’s basketball with her elite point guard play.
Highlights
- Excellent passer
- Floor leader
- One of the inaugural season’s top guards
8. Dawn Staley
Charlotte Sting
One of the greatest point guards in basketball history, Staley brought credibility and championship experience to the league.
Career accomplishments
- Five-time All-Star
- Elite playmaker
- Hall of Famer
- Later became one of basketball’s greatest coaches
9. Ruthie Bolton
Sacramento Monarchs
Bolton’s defensive intensity and leadership helped establish Sacramento as one of the league’s toughest teams.
Strengths
- Defensive versatility
- Olympic experience
- Veteran leadership
10. Nikki McCray
Columbus Quest
McCray entered the WNBA as one of the world’s premier guards and quickly became one of its brightest stars.
Achievements
- Five-time All-Star
- Elite scorer
- Outstanding defender
- Hall of Famer
11. Vickie Johnson
New York Liberty
Johnson became one of New York’s original fan favorites through her scoring ability and relentless competitiveness.
Highlights
- Three-time All-Star
- Liberty cornerstone
- Longtime veteran leader
12. Katrina McClain
Atlanta Dream (later career) / Initial WNBA: Phoenix Mercury
An Olympic legend before the WNBA’s launch, McClain brought credibility and experience to the league’s early years.
Known for
- Elite post play
- Olympic gold medalist
- Hall of Famer
13. Natalie Williams
Utah Starzz
Williams quickly established herself as one of the league’s top rebounders and interior defenders.
Career profile
- Four-time All-Star
- Elite rebounder
- Consistent double-double threat
14. Andrea Stinson
Charlotte Sting
One of the inaugural season’s brightest stars, Stinson became the face of Charlotte basketball.
Highlights
- Five-time All-Star
- Outstanding scorer
- Franchise leader
15. Kim Perrot
Houston Comets
Perrot’s speed, defense, and energy played a major role in Houston’s dynasty before her life was tragically cut short by cancer in 1999.
Legacy
- Four-time champion
- Inspirational teammate
- Houston franchise icon
Honorable Mentions
- Cindy Brown
- Michele Timms
- Bridget Pettis
- Murriel Page
- Venus Lacy
- Kym Hampton
- Carla McGhee
- Eva Nemcova
- Sandy Brondello
- Olympia Scott
Foundational Stars by Original Franchise
| Original Franchise | Foundational Players |
|---|---|
| Houston Comets | Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, Kim Perrot |
| New York Liberty | Rebecca Lobo, Teresa Weatherspoon, Vickie Johnson |
| Los Angeles Sparks | Lisa Leslie |
| Charlotte Sting | Dawn Staley, Andrea Stinson |
| Sacramento Monarchs | Ruthie Bolton |
| Phoenix Mercury | Jennifer Gillom, Michele Timms, Katrina McClain |
| Utah Starzz | Natalie Williams |
| Cleveland Rockers | Eva Nemcova |
| Detroit Shock | Jennifer Azzi |
| Columbus Quest | Nikki McCray |
The First Generation of WNBA Icons
| Player | Greatest Contribution |
|---|---|
| Cynthia Cooper | First superstar and league MVP |
| Lisa Leslie | Mainstream popularity and dominant center play |
| Sheryl Swoopes | Two-way excellence |
| Tina Thompson | First draft pick and model of longevity |
| Rebecca Lobo | Early ambassador for the league |
| Teresa Weatherspoon | Defensive leadership |
| Dawn Staley | Elite point guard play |
| Nikki McCray | Dynamic scoring guard |
| Andrea Stinson | Charlotte franchise icon |
| Kim Perrot | Championship catalyst |
Final Thoughts
The success of the WNBA’s inaugural season depended on a remarkable group of pioneers who embraced the challenge of building a new professional league. Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson became its first superstars, while leaders such as Rebecca Lobo, Teresa Weatherspoon, Dawn Staley, and Nikki McCray helped establish credibility, attract fans, and inspire the generations that followed. Their contributions extended far beyond wins and championships—they built the foundation on which every WNBA season since 1997 has been played.