Women's National Basketball Association awards and honors |
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Championship |
Individual awards |
Honors |
The W25 are the Women's National Basketball Association's Top 25 Players of All Time, chosen in 2021 on the occasion of the 25th season of the WNBA from amongst 72 nominees compiled by the league. The group, selected by a panel consisting of media members and pioneering women's basketball figures, was to comprise the 25 best and most influential players of the first 25 years of the WNBA, with consideration also accorded to sportsmanship, community service, leadership, and contribution to the growth of women's basketball. To be considered, players had to have competed in the WNBA for at least two seasons, and fit at least four of seven criteria:
The W25 were announced on September 5, 2021 at halftime of the Las Vegas Aces–Chicago Sky game, televised in the U.S. by ABC. [1]
The announcement of The W25 was immediately followed by "Vote for the GOAT". From September 5–19, fans voted on the WNBA's official website, the WNBA's mobile app, and Twitter to determine which member of The W25 they considered to be the league's greatest of all time. Before Game 1 of the 2021 WNBA Finals on October 10 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, Diana Taurasi was announced as the fans' "GOAT". [2]
^ | Denotes player who was still active in the WNBA at this time |
~ | Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame |
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
Player | Nationality | Position | Team(s) | League titles | League awards | All-Star Games | All-Decade Team | Top 15 Team | Top 20 Team |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seimone Augustus | United States | SF | Minnesota Lynx (2006–2019) Los Angeles Sparks (2020) | 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 | Finals MVP (2011) ROY (2006) 6× All-WNBA | 2006–2007, 2011, 2013–2015, 2017, 2018 | — | Nominated | Yes |
Sue Bird ^ | United States | PG | Seattle Storm (2002–2012, 2014–2018, 2020–2022; entire career) | 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020 | KPSA (2011, 2017, 2018) 8× All-WNBA | 2002, 2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swin Cash | United States | PF | Detroit Shock (2002–2007) Seattle Storm (2008–2011) Chicago Sky (2012–2013) Atlanta Dream (2014) New York Liberty (2014–2016) | 2003, 2006, 2010 | ASG MVP (2009, 2011) KPSA (2013) 2× All-WNBA | 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011 | Nominated | Nominated | Yes |
Tamika Catchings | United States | SF | Indiana Fever (2002–2016; entire career) | 2012 | MVP (2011) Finals MVP (2012) ROY (2002) DPOY (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012) KPSA (2010, 2013) 12× All-WNBA 12× All-Defensive | 2002–2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tina Charles ^ | United States | C | Connecticut Sun (2010–2013) New York Liberty (2014–2019) Washington Mystics (2021–) Phoenix Mercury (2022) Seattle Storm (2022) Atlanta Dream (2024–) | None | MVP (2012) ROY (2010) 9× All-WNBA 4× All-Defensive | 2011, 2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021 | — | — | Nominated |
Cynthia Cooper | United States | SG | Houston Comets (1997–2000, 2003; entire career) | 1997–2000 | MVP (1997, 1998) Finals MVP (1997–2000) 4× All-WNBA | 1999, 2000, 2003 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Elena Delle Donne ^ | United States | F/G | Chicago Sky (2013–2016) Washington Mystics (2017–2023) | 2019 | 2x MVP (2015, 2019) ROY (2013) 5× All-WNBA | 2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2023 | — | — | Nominated |
Sylvia Fowles ^ | United States | C | Chicago Sky (2008–2014) Minnesota Lynx (2015–2022) | 2015, 2017 | MVP (2017) Finals MVP (2015, 2017) 4x DPOY (2011, 2013, 2016, 2021) 8× All-WNBA 11× All-Defensive | 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017–2019, 2021, 2022 | — | — | Nominated |
Yolanda Griffith | United States | C | Sacramento Monarchs (1999–2007) Seattle Storm (2008) Indiana Fever (2009) | 2005 | MVP (1999) Finals MVP (2005) DPOY (1999) ASG MVP (2004) 5×All-WNBA | 1999–2001, 2003, 2005–2007 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brittney Griner ^ | United States | C | Phoenix Mercury (2013–; entire career to date) | 2014 | DPOY (2014, 2015) 5× All-WNBA 6× All-Defensive | 2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021 | — | — | Nominated |
Becky Hammon | United States Russia | PG | New York Liberty (1999–2006) San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars (2007–2014) | None | KPSA (2014) 4×All-WNBA | 2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011 | Nominated | Yes | Yes |
Lauren Jackson | Australia | C | Seattle Storm (2001–2012; entire career) | 2004, 2010 | MVP (2003, 2007, 2010) Finals MVP (2010) DPOY (2007) 8×All-WNBA | 2001–2003, 2005–2007, 2009 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lisa Leslie | United States | C | Los Angeles Sparks (1997–2009) (entire career) | 2001, 2002 | MVP (2001, 2004, 2006) Finals MVP (2001, 2002) ASG MVP (1999, 2001, 2002) DPOY (2004, 2008) 12×All-WNBA | 1999–2003, 2005–2006, 2009 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Angel McCoughtry ^ | United States | F/G | Atlanta Dream (2009–2018) Las Vegas Aces (2020–2021) Minnesota Lynx (2022) | None | ROY (2009) 6× All-WNBA 8× All-Defensive | 2011, 2013–2015, 2018 | — | — | Nominated |
Maya Moore | United States | SF | Minnesota Lynx (2011–2018; entire career) [lower-alpha 1] | 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 | MVP (2014) Finals MVP (2013) ASG MVP (2015, 2017, 2018) ROY (2011) 7× All-WNBA 2× All-Defensive | 2011, 2013–2015, 2017, 2018 | — | — | Yes |
Nneka Ogwumike ^ | United States | PF | Los Angeles Sparks (2012–2023) Seattle Storm (2024-) | 2016 | MVP (2016) Finals MVP (2016) ROY (2012) KPSA (2019, 2020) 6× All-WNBA 9× All-Defensive | 2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2022, 2023 | — | — | Nominated |
Candace Parker ^ | United States | PF | Los Angeles Sparks (2008–2020) Chicago Sky (2021–2022) Las Vegas Aces (2023–) | 2016, 2021, 2023 | MVP (2008, 2013) DPOY (2020) ASG MVP (2013) Finals MVP (2016) ROY (2008) 10× All-WNBA 2× All-Defensive | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 | — | Nominated | Yes |
Ticha Penicheiro | Portugal | PG | Sacramento Monarchs (1998–2009) Los Angeles Sparks (2010–2011) Chicago Sky (2012) | 2005 | 3× All-WNBA 1× All-Defensive | 1999–2002 | Honorable mention | Yes | Yes |
Cappie Pondexter | United States | SG | Phoenix Mercury (2006–2009) New York Liberty (2010–2014) Chicago Sky (2015–2017) Los Angeles Sparks (2018) Indiana Fever (2018) | 2007, 2009 | Finals MVP (2007) 4× All-WNBA 1× All-Defensive | 2006–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013–2015 | — | Yes | Yes |
Katie Smith | United States | SG | Minnesota Lynx (1999–2005) Detroit Shock (2005–2009) Washington Mystics (2010) Seattle Storm (2011–2012) New York Liberty (2013) | 2006, 2008 | Finals MVP (2008) 4×All-WNBA | 2000–2003, 2005–2006, 2009 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Breanna Stewart ^ | United States | PF | Seattle Storm (2016–2022) New York Liberty (2023-) | 2018, 2020 | MVP (2018) Finals MVP (2018, 2020) ROY (2016) 6× All-WNBA 5× All-Defensive | 2017, 2018, 2021-2023 | — | — | — |
Sheryl Swoopes | United States | SF | Houston Comets (1997–2000, 2002–2007) Seattle Storm (2008) Tulsa Shock (2011) | 1997–2000 | MVP (2000, 2002, 2005) DPOY (2000, 2002, 2003) ASG MVP (2005) 7× All-WNBA 2× All-Defensive | 1999, 2000, 2002–2003, 2005–2006 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Diana Taurasi ^ | United States | SG | Phoenix Mercury (2004–2014, 2016–; entire career to date) | 2007, 2009, 2014 | MVP (2009) Finals MVP (2009, 2014) ROY (2004) 14× All-WNBA | 2005–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013–2014, 2017–2018, 2021 | Honorable mention | Yes | Yes |
Tina Thompson | United States | SF | Houston Comets (1997–2008) Los Angeles Sparks (2009–2011) Seattle Storm (2012–2013) | 1997–2000 | ASG MVP (2000) 8× All-WNBA | 1999–2003, 2006, 2007, 2009 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lindsay Whalen | United States | PG | Connecticut Sun (2004-2009) Minnesota Lynx (2010–2018) | 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 | 5× All-WNBA | 2006, 2011, 2013–2015 | No | No | Yes |
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women's professional basketball league composed of 12 teams, all based in the United States. The league was founded on April 22, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA), and league play started in 1997. The regular season is played from May to September, with the All Star game being played midway through the season in July and the WNBA Finals at the end of September until the beginning of October.
The Phoenix Mercury are an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). One of eight original franchises, it was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began.
Patrícia "Ticha" Nunes PenicheiroOIH is a Portuguese sports agent and former basketball player. She played for the Sacramento Monarchs of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for most of her professional career. She was a four-time WNBA All-Star and a three-time All-WNBA selection. Regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, she ranks second all-time in career assists and led the league in assists seven times. She won a WNBA championship with the Monarchs in 2005. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Diana Lorena Taurasi is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and is considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all-time.
Suzanne Brigit Bird is an American former professional basketball player who played her entire career with the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Bird was drafted by the Storm first overall in the 2002 WNBA draft and is considered to be one of the greatest players in WNBA history. As of 2021, Bird is the only WNBA player to win titles in three different decades. She held a front office position for the NBA's Denver Nuggets as their Basketball Operations Associate. She has also played for three teams in Russia, and also has dual citizenship with both U.S. and Israel.
Tamika Devonne Catchings is an American retired professional basketball player who played her entire 15-year career for the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Catchings has won a WNBA championship (2012), WNBA Most Valuable Player Award (2011), WNBA Finals MVP Award (2012), five WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards, four Olympic gold medals, and the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2002). She is one of only 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup gold and a WNBA Championship. She has also been selected to ten WNBA All-Star teams, 12 All-WNBA teams, 12 All-Defensive teams and led the league in steals eight times. In 2011, Catchings was voted in by fans as one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time, and would be named to two more all-time WNBA teams, the WNBA Top 20@20 in 2016 and The W25 in 2021.
Candace Nicole Parker nicknamed "Ace", is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She spent 13 seasons on the Sparks, two seasons with the Chicago Sky, and as of 2023 has spent one season with the Las Vegas Aces, winning a championship with each team.
Penelope Jane Taylor is an Australian former professional basketball player and assistant coach. During her 19-year career, Taylor spent the most time with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, where she won three championships. She also won the WNBL title with her first club, the Australian Institute of Sport, and played in China, Italy, Turkey and Russia. As part of the Australian woman's national team, Taylor won two Olympic medals and led the Australian Opals to a gold medal at the World Championships, winning tournament MVP honours ahead of teammate Lauren Jackson.
Elena Delle Donne is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Delle Donne played college basketball for the Delaware Blue Hens from 2009 to 2013. She was drafted by the Chicago Sky with the second overall pick of the 2013 WNBA draft, and led the Sky to the 2014 WNBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury. Delle Donne was traded to the Washington Mystics in 2017 and led them to their first WNBA championship in 2019.
Seimone Delicia Augustus is an American former professional basketball player who is one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA. After retiring as a player in 2020, she was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for two seasons. She was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2006 draft; and played for the Lynx for most of her WNBA career except for her final season in 2020 with the Los Angeles Sparks. An eight-time All-Star and the 2011 finals MVP, Augustus led the Lynx to four WNBA championships. She also won three gold medals in the Olympics on the U.S. national team.
The Women's National Basketball Association's All-Decade Team were chosen in 2006 on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the WNBA from amongst 30 nominees compiled by the league by fan, media, coach, and player voting. The team was to comprise the 10 best and most influential players of the first decade of the WNBA, with consideration also accorded to sportsmanship, community service, leadership, and contribution to the growth of women's basketball; only players to have competed in the WNBA were eligible, but extra-league achievements were considered.
Candice Dupree is an American professional basketball coach and former player. She was selected sixth in the 2006 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky. Dupree has won a WNBA Championship (2014) with the Phoenix Mercury. She has also played professional basketball in Europe and Asia. Dupree has two world cup gold medals with Team USA.
Brittney Yevette Griner is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's national basketball team and a six-time WNBA All-Star. She was additionally named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.
The All-WNBA Team is an annual Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every season. The voting is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States. The team has been selected in every season of the league's existence, dating back to its inaugural season in 1997. The All-WNBA Team is composed of two five-woman lineups—a first and second team, comprising a total of 10 roster spots.
The 2011 WNBA All-Star Game was played on July 23, 2011 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, home of the San Antonio Silver Stars. The game was the 10th WNBA All-Star Game, which has been held annually since 1999 except in 2004, 2008, and 2010. This was the first time San Antonio hosted the basketball showcase, and only the second time in league history for the game to be held by a Western Conference franchise.
The Women's National Basketball Association's Top 15 Players of All Time were chosen in 2011 on the occasion of the fifteenth season of the WNBA from amongst 30 nominees compiled by the league by fan, media, coach, and player voting. The group was to comprise the 15 best and most influential players of the first fifteen years of the WNBA, with consideration also accorded to sportsmanship, community service, 1111leadership, and contribution to the growth of women's basketball; only players to have competed in the WNBA were eligible, but extra-league achievements were considered.
Breanna Mackenzie Stewart is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Fenerbahçe of the Women's Basketball Super League, Euroleague Women.
WNBA Top 20@20 are the Women's National Basketball Association's Top 20 Players of All Time, chosen in 2016 on the occasion of the twentieth season of the WNBA from amongst 60 nominees compiled by the league. The group was to comprise the 20 best and most influential players of the first twenty years of the WNBA, with consideration also accorded to sportsmanship, community service, leadership, and contribution to the growth of women's basketball; only players to have competed in the WNBA for at least two seasons, and fit at least three of seven criteria were considered.
The 2017 WNBA All-Star Game was an exhibition basketball game played on July 22, 2017. The Seattle Storm hosted a WNBA All-Star Game for the first time.