The Top Players in the WNBA: Why They're Among the League's Best
By Mark Ricci
June 29, 2026
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has entered a new era of popularity, fueled by exceptional talent, increased television viewership, and record attendance. Today's stars combine elite athleticism, leadership, and championship experience while inspiring the next generation of basketball players.
While the league is filled with outstanding talent, several players consistently stand above the rest because of their production, accolades, and impact on winning. Here's a closer look at some of the top players in the WNBA and why they've earned that distinction.
A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
A'ja Wilson is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, she has become one of the most accomplished players in league history.
Wilson is a multiple-time WNBA Most Valuable Player, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, Olympic gold medalist, and perennial All-Star. She consistently ranks among the league leaders in points, rebounds, blocks, and field-goal percentage.
What separates Wilson is her ability to dominate both ends of the floor. She can score in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, protect the rim, rebound at an elite level, and defend multiple positions. Few players impact winning as consistently as Wilson.
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
Breanna Stewart has built one of the most impressive résumés in women's basketball. She is a multiple-time WNBA champion, multiple-time league MVP, Finals MVP, Olympic gold medalist, and perennial All-WNBA selection.
Standing 6-foot-4 with guard-like skills, Stewart is one of the league's most versatile players. She can score inside and outside, rebound, block shots, and defend every frontcourt position.
Her combination of size, basketball IQ, and offensive efficiency makes her one of the most complete players in professional basketball.
Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
Napheesa Collier has become one of the league's premier two-way forwards. She is known for her efficient scoring, outstanding defense, rebounding, and consistency.
Collier is a multiple-time WNBA All-Star and All-WNBA performer who regularly ranks among the league leaders in steals and rebounds while averaging more than 20 points per game during her best seasons.
Her ability to contribute in every phase of the game makes her one of the top MVP candidates each season.
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA after one of the greatest college basketball careers in NCAA history, where she became the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball.
Since joining the Indiana Fever, Clark has quickly established herself as one of the league's premier playmakers. She possesses exceptional passing ability, deep three-point shooting range, and outstanding court vision.
Beyond her individual production, Clark has helped drive unprecedented fan interest in the WNBA, contributing to record television ratings, sold-out arenas, and increased national attention for the league.
Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
Sabrina Ionescu has developed into one of the WNBA's best guards thanks to her elite shooting, passing, and leadership.
She earned national attention for setting a record during the 2023 WNBA Three-Point Contest by scoring 37 of a possible 40 points: one of the greatest shooting performances in basketball competition history.
Ionescu regularly ranks among the league's leaders in assists while also providing efficient scoring from beyond the arc.
Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury)
Alyssa Thomas is one of the most versatile players the WNBA has ever seen. Known for filling every category on the stat sheet, she has recorded numerous triple-doubles: more than any other player in league history.
Thomas is an elite rebounder, passer, and defender whose physical style of play allows her to impact games without relying solely on scoring.
Her ability to facilitate offense from the forward position makes her one of the league's most unique stars.
Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
Few players are more dangerous offensively than Arike Ogunbowale. She has won multiple WNBA scoring titles and is known for her ability to create shots under pressure.
Whether attacking the basket or knocking down contested jump shots, Ogunbowale consistently ranks among the league's leading scorers while serving as the offensive centerpiece for Dallas.
Her confidence in late-game situations has made her one of the league's premier clutch performers.
Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces)
Jewell Loyd has earned recognition as one of the WNBA's most dynamic scoring guards. She is a multiple-time All-Star and was the league's scoring champion during the 2023 season.
Loyd combines explosive athleticism with excellent perimeter shooting and the ability to score in transition or off the dribble. Her offensive versatility makes her one of the most difficult guards to defend.
Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
Kelsey Plum has become one of the league's premier backcourt scorers thanks to her speed, shooting, and ability to create offense.
A former No. 1 overall draft pick, Plum helped lead the Las Vegas Aces to consecutive WNBA championships before joining the Los Angeles Sparks. She has also won Olympic gold in 3×3 basketball, showcasing her versatility and competitiveness.
Her efficient three-point shooting and aggressive style make her one of the league's most dangerous guards.
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings)
Paige Bueckers entered the WNBA as one of the most accomplished collegiate players of her generation after leading the University of Connecticut to a national championship and earning numerous individual honors.
Although she is still early in her professional career, Bueckers has already demonstrated the exceptional court vision, basketball IQ, and shot-making ability that made her the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
League executives, coaches, and analysts widely consider her one of the brightest young stars in professional basketball.
Honorable Mentions
The WNBA's depth of talent extends well beyond these stars. Players such as Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, Jackie Young, Allisha Gray, Dearica Hamby, and Rhyne Howard continue to play at an All-Star or All-WNBA level and remain among the league's most impactful performers.
The Future of the WNBA
The WNBA has never featured more elite talent than it does today. Established superstars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jewell Loyd continue to set the standard for excellence, while younger stars such as Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are helping introduce millions of new fans to the sport.
Their combination of individual excellence, championship success, leadership, and growing popularity has helped transform the WNBA into one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in North America. As media coverage and viewership continue to rise, these players will remain at the forefront of the league's continued growth.
Mark Ricci is a sports business analyst covering the WNBA, league expansion, and professional athlete performance for Sportsmedia News.