Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The WNBA has been shaped by players who accomplished far more than putting up impressive statistics. They introduced new playing styles, elevated the league’s popularity, inspired future generations, and redefined what was possible on the basketball court. Some transformed their positions, while others became global ambassadors whose influence reached far beyond the game.

Here are the WNBA players who changed the game and left a lasting legacy on women’s basketball.

1. Cynthia Cooper

Why she changed the game

As the WNBA’s first true superstar, Cynthia Cooper established the standard for excellence. She led the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships while winning the league’s first two MVP awards and all four Finals MVP trophies.

Lasting impact

  • First face of the WNBA
  • Four-time champion
  • Set the standard for playoff greatness
  • Helped establish the league’s credibility

2. Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie became one of the WNBA’s biggest stars and one of the sport’s first global icons. Her dominance in the post, combined with charisma and media appeal, helped introduce millions of fans to the league.

Legacy

  • Three-time MVP
  • Two-time champion
  • First player to dunk in a WNBA game
  • Expanded the league’s mainstream popularity

3. Sheryl Swoopes

Known as the original complete player, Sheryl Swoopes excelled as a scorer, passer, defender, and leader.

Why she mattered

  • One of the greatest two-way players ever
  • Four championships
  • Three MVP awards
  • Inspired a generation of versatile wings

4. Diana Taurasi

No player has influenced modern offensive basketball quite like Diana Taurasi. Her limitless shooting range, confidence, and ability to create shots transformed expectations for perimeter players.

Career influence

  • WNBA all-time leading scorer
  • Elite clutch performer
  • Three-time champion
  • Helped popularize high-volume perimeter scoring

5. Lauren Jackson

Lauren Jackson proved international players could become the biggest stars in the WNBA. Her ability to score inside and outside helped redefine the power forward position.

Impact

  • Three-time MVP
  • Stretch forward before it became common
  • Expanded the league’s international appeal

6. Sue Bird

Few point guards have controlled games as effectively as Sue Bird. Her exceptional passing, leadership, and consistency made her one of the greatest floor generals in basketball history.

Highlights

  • WNBA all-time assists leader
  • Four championships
  • Elite basketball IQ
  • Model for modern point guards

7. Candace Parker

Candace Parker revolutionized frontcourt basketball by combining elite size with guard-like skills.

Game-changing qualities

  • Point-forward versatility
  • Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season
  • Two-time champion
  • One of the most complete players ever

8. Maya Moore

Maya Moore became the face of one of the greatest dynasties in league history while setting new standards for efficiency and winning.

Legacy

  • League MVP
  • Four championships
  • Elite two-way player
  • Inspired future wings

9. Breanna Stewart

Stewart has become the prototype for the modern positionless superstar.

Why she’s transformative

  • Elite scorer
  • Rim protector
  • Three-point shooter
  • Can defend every frontcourt position

10. A’ja Wilson

Wilson represents the modern evolution of the dominant post player. She combines interior scoring with perimeter mobility, elite defense, and outstanding leadership.

Achievements

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

11. Tamika Catchings

Catchings proved that defense could define greatness just as much as scoring.

Known for

  • Five Defensive Player of the Year awards
  • MVP
  • Championship leader
  • Ultimate all-around competitor

12. Elena Delle Donne

Delle Donne changed perceptions of what a 6-foot-5 forward could do offensively.

Strengths

  • Elite outside shooting
  • Historic efficiency
  • Two-time MVP
  • Positionless scoring

13. Brittney Griner

Griner became one of the most dominant interior defenders the league has ever seen while changing offensive and defensive game planning.

Impact

  • Elite shot blocker
  • Championship center
  • One of the greatest rim protectors ever

14. Caitlin Clark

Clark entered the WNBA with unprecedented attention and quickly helped reshape the league’s commercial landscape. Her deep shooting range, elite playmaking, and ability to attract new audiences produced record television ratings, attendance, merchandise sales, and overall fan engagement.

Why she’s already changing the game

  • Expanded the WNBA’s global visibility
  • Revolutionary passing and long-range shooting
  • Record-setting rookie season
  • Helped drive historic growth in fan interest

15. Sabrina Ionescu

Ionescu has helped popularize the modern high-volume playmaking guard while becoming one of the league’s premier long-range shooters.

Career impact

  • Triple-double threat
  • Elite passer
  • Deep three-point range
  • Modern offensive leader

Honorable Mentions

  • Tina Thompson
  • Yolanda Griffith
  • Nneka Ogwumike
  • Sylvia Fowles
  • Jonquel Jones
  • Becky Hammon
  • Seimone Augustus
  • Cappie Pondexter
  • Tina Charles
  • Cheryl Ford

Players Who Revolutionized Their Position

Player Lasting Influence
Cynthia Cooper Established the WNBA’s superstar standard
Lisa Leslie Dominant modern center and first dunk
Lauren Jackson Stretch power forward pioneer
Diana Taurasi Redefined perimeter scoring
Sue Bird Model point guard and playmaker
Candace Parker Point-forward revolution
Breanna Stewart Positionless superstar
A’ja Wilson Modern two-way dominant post
Elena Delle Donne Elite shooting big
Sabrina Ionescu Triple-double and deep-range point guard

Greatest Overall Impact on the WNBA

Player Primary Legacy
Cynthia Cooper Built the league’s early foundation
Lisa Leslie Expanded mainstream popularity
Sheryl Swoopes Defined two-way excellence
Diana Taurasi Greatest scorer in league history
Sue Bird Greatest playmaker and leader
Candace Parker Changed frontcourt versatility
Maya Moore Championship dynasty leader
Breanna Stewart Positionless basketball icon
A’ja Wilson Modern face of the league
Caitlin Clark Expanded fan growth and global attention

Final Thoughts

The WNBA’s history has been shaped by players whose influence extended well beyond championships and awards. Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, and Sheryl Swoopes helped establish the league during its formative years. Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Candace Parker redefined excellence for a new generation, while Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark continue to influence how the game is played, watched, and appreciated around the world. Together, these pioneers have transformed the WNBA into one of the premier professional basketball leagues in the world.