Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Winning the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is the highest individual honor in the league. It recognizes players who dominate statistically, elevate their teammates, and transform franchises into championship contenders. Since the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997, the MVP trophy has been claimed by many of the greatest players in women’s basketball history.

Below is a ranking of the greatest WNBA MVPs based on their MVP seasons, overall careers, championships, longevity, and historical impact.

1. A’ja Wilson (3 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2020, 2022, 2024
Team: Las Vegas Aces

A’ja Wilson has established herself as one of the most complete players the WNBA has ever seen. Dominating on both ends of the floor, she combines elite scoring, rebounding, rim protection, and leadership while serving as the cornerstone of the Aces’ modern dynasty.

Career highlights

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

Why she’s No. 1

Few players have ever controlled every aspect of the game the way Wilson has during her peak.

2. Lauren Jackson (3 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2003, 2007, 2010
Team: Seattle Storm

Lauren Jackson revolutionized the power forward position with her combination of size, shooting, athleticism, and defense.

Legacy

  • Three-time MVP
  • Two-time champion
  • Defensive Player of the Year
  • International basketball legend

3. Lisa Leslie (3 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2001, 2004, 2006
Team: Los Angeles Sparks

Lisa Leslie became the face of the early WNBA, combining elite post scoring with dominant defense while leading the Sparks to consecutive championships.

Strengths

  • Elite rim protector
  • Outstanding rebounder
  • Multiple championships
  • Finals MVP

4. Sheryl Swoopes (3 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2000, 2002, 2005
Team: Houston Comets

One of the greatest two-way wings ever, Swoopes excelled as a scorer, defender, passer, and leader throughout Houston’s dynasty.

Achievements

  • Three MVP awards
  • Four-time champion
  • Defensive Player of the Year
  • Finals MVP

5. Cynthia Cooper (2 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 1997, 1998
Team: Houston Comets

The league’s first superstar dominated the WNBA’s opening years while leading Houston to four consecutive championships.

Career accomplishments

  • Two-time MVP
  • Four-time Finals MVP
  • Four championships
  • Hall of Famer

6. Breanna Stewart (2 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2018, 2023
Teams: Seattle Storm, New York Liberty

Stewart’s versatility makes her one of basketball’s most complete forwards. She can score from anywhere, defend multiple positions, and consistently elevate championship contenders.

Highlights

  • Multiple MVP awards
  • Multiple Finals MVPs
  • Multiple championships
  • Olympic gold medalist

7. Elena Delle Donne (2 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2015, 2019
Teams: Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics

One of the greatest shooters and most efficient scorers in league history, Delle Donne paired elite offensive production with remarkable consistency.

Known for

  • Historic shooting efficiency
  • Two-time MVP
  • Champion
  • Finals leader

8. Candace Parker (2 MVP Awards)

MVP Seasons: 2008, 2013
Team: Los Angeles Sparks

Parker remains one of the most versatile players ever, capable of leading her team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and defense.

Career highlights

  • Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season
  • Two-time MVP
  • Champion
  • Finals MVP

9. Diana Taurasi (1 MVP Award)

MVP Season: 2009
Team: Phoenix Mercury

Although Taurasi won only one MVP, her overall career places her among the greatest players in basketball history.

Legacy

  • WNBA all-time leading scorer
  • Three championships
  • Finals MVP
  • Countless scoring records

10. Maya Moore (1 MVP Award)

MVP Season: 2014
Team: Minnesota Lynx

Moore’s extraordinary two-way play helped power one of the greatest dynasties in league history.

Career achievements

  • League MVP
  • Finals MVP
  • Four championships
  • Elite scorer and defender

11. Yolanda Griffith

MVP Season: 1999
Team: Sacramento Monarchs

Griffith dominated inside with rebounding, defense, and physical play, becoming one of the WNBA’s premier centers.

Strengths

  • Elite defender
  • Outstanding rebounder
  • Defensive anchor

12. Tina Charles

MVP Season: 2012
Team: Connecticut Sun

Charles became one of the most productive centers in league history through consistent scoring and rebounding excellence.

Highlights

  • MVP
  • Multiple scoring and rebounding titles
  • Longtime All-Star

13. Tamika Catchings

MVP Season: 2011
Team: Indiana Fever

Catchings built one of the most complete résumés in WNBA history through elite defense, leadership, and all-around production.

Career profile

  • MVP
  • Five-time Defensive Player of the Year
  • Champion
  • Finals MVP

14. Nneka Ogwumike

MVP Season: 2016
Team: Los Angeles Sparks

Ogwumike enjoyed one of the most efficient MVP seasons ever while leading the Sparks to a championship.

Known for

  • Efficient scoring
  • Defensive versatility
  • Championship success

15. Jonquel Jones

MVP Season: 2021
Team: Connecticut Sun

Jones’ remarkable breakout transformed her into one of the league’s most dominant frontcourt players.

Strengths

  • Elite rebounding
  • Stretch scoring
  • Interior defense
  • Finals MVP

WNBA Players with Multiple MVP Awards

Rank Player MVP Awards
T-1 A’ja Wilson 3
T-1 Lauren Jackson 3
T-1 Lisa Leslie 3
T-1 Sheryl Swoopes 3
T-5 Cynthia Cooper 2
T-5 Breanna Stewart 2
T-5 Elena Delle Donne 2
T-5 Candace Parker 2
T-9 Diana Taurasi 1
T-9 Maya Moore 1
T-9 Yolanda Griffith 1
T-9 Tina Charles 1
T-9 Tamika Catchings 1
T-9 Nneka Ogwumike 1
T-9 Jonquel Jones 1

MVPs Who Also Won Championships

Player MVPs Championships
Cynthia Cooper 2 4
Sheryl Swoopes 3 4
Lisa Leslie 3 2
Lauren Jackson 3 2
Candace Parker 2 2
Breanna Stewart 2 2
A’ja Wilson 3 2
Diana Taurasi 1 3
Maya Moore 1 4
Tamika Catchings 1 1
Nneka Ogwumike 1 1
Elena Delle Donne 2 1
Jonquel Jones 1 1

Final Thoughts

The WNBA MVP award has been won by many of the greatest players in basketball history. Legends such as Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Cynthia Cooper helped establish the league, while modern superstars like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart continue to redefine excellence. Whether through dominant scoring, elite defense, or championship leadership, every MVP has left an enduring mark on the WNBA’s history.