The Top 16 Black WNBA Players Of All Time
Girls Is Players Too! — The Top 16 Black WNBA Players Of All Time
L–R: Brittney Griner, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Sheryl Swoopes. Source: Megan Briggs / Getty Images, Todd Warshaw / Allsport / Getty Images, Ethan Miller / Getty Images, Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle. Art Design: Siobhan Dixon.
March is Women’s History Month! The annual observance is used to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. In celebration, we put together a gallery showcasing 16 of the women that helped make the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) the league it is today.
In 2021, the WNBA celebrated its 25th year in existence. For the occasion, the league compiled a list of 72 nominees with the intention of comprising the 25 best and most influential players of the first 25 years of the league’s history. A panel consisting of media members and pioneering women’s basketball figures selected the group. In addition to their on court dominance, other things that were taken into consideration were sportsmanship, community service, leadership and overall contribution to the growth of women’s basketball.
Source: DeFodi Images / Getty
To be considered, players had to have competed in the WNBA for at least two seasons, and fit at least four of seven criteria:
- Winning a major individual playing award.
- Selection to at least one All-WNBA Team at any level.
- Selection to at least one WNBA All-Defensive Team at any level.
- Selection for at least one WNBA All-Star Game.
- Member of at least one WNBA championship team.
- A ranking among the top 40 career leaders in any major statistical category, as of the start of the 2021 season.
- Winner of the WNBA’s season-long Community Assist Award.
These women have been exemplary role models to women worldwide. They’ve not only shown that they can be fierce competitors on the hardwood, but they’ve also displayed that the same tenacity can be shown in every other field. These ladies are established business women, respected community leaders and so many other things. In an effort to give them the flowers they rightfully deserve, we put together a gallery of the W25. Get to know these extraordinary women below!
RELATED CONTENT: 2-Time WNBA Finals MVP Candace Parker Retiring
1. Seimone Augustus
Source: moneymone33
Teams: Minnesota Lynx (2006-2019); Los Angeles Sparks (2020)
League Titles: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
League Awards: Finals MVP (2011), Rookie Of The Year (2006), 6x All-WNBA
All-Star Games: 2006-2007, 2011, 2013-2015, 2017, 2018
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
2. Swin Cash
Source: swincash
Teams: Detroit Shock (2002-2007), Seattle Storm (2008-2011), Chicago Sky (2012-2013), Atlanta Dream (2014), New York Liberty (2014-2016)
League Titles: 2003, 2006, 2010
League Awards: All-Star Game MVP (2009, 2011), Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award (2013), 2x All-WNBA
All-Star Games: 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
3. Tamika Catchings
Source: catchin24
Teams: Indiana Fever (2002-2016; entire career)
League Titles: 2012
League Awards: MVP (2011), Finals MVP (2012), Rookie Of The Year (2002), Defensive Player Of The Year (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012), Kim Perrot Sportmanship Award (2010, 2013), 12x All-WNBA, 12x All-Defensive
All-Star Games: 2002-2003, 2005-2007, 2009, 2011
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
4. Tina Charles
Source: tina31charles
Teams: Connecticut Sun (2010–2013), New York Liberty (2014–2019), Washington Mystics (2021)
League Awards: MVP (2012) Rookie Of The Year (2010), 9x All-WNBA, 4x All-Defensive
All-Star Games: 2011, 2013-2015, 2017-2019, 2021
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
5. Cynthia Cooper
Source: ccooper14
Teams: Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003; entire career)
League Titles: 1997-2000
League Awards: MVP (1997, 1998), Finals MVP (1997-2000), 4x All-WNBA
All-Star Games: 1999, 2000, 2003
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
9. Nneka Ogwumike
Source: nnekaogwumike
Teams: Los Angeles Sparks (Starting in 2012; entire career to date)
League Titles: 2016
League Awards: MVP (2016), Finals MVP (2016), Rookie Of The Year (2012), Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award (2019, 2020), 4x All-WNBA, 5x All-Defensive
All-Star Games: 2013-2015, 2017-2019
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
10. Maya Moore
Source: mooremaya
Teams: Minnesota Lynx (2011-2018; entire career)
League Titles: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
League Awards: MVP (2014), Finals MVP (2013), All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2017, 2018), Rookie Of The Year (2011), 7x All-WNBA, 2x All-Defensive
All-Star Games: 2011, 2013-2015, 2017, 2018
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
16. Yolanda Griffith
Source: Getty
Teams: Sacramento Monarchs (1999-2007), Seattle Storm (2008), Indiana Fever (2009)
League Titles: 2005
League Awards: MVP (1999), Finals MVP (2005), Defensive Player Of The Year (1999), All-Star Game MVP (2004), 5x All-WNBA
All-Star Games: 1999-2001, 2003, 2005-2007
RELATED CONTENT: Fitness Firsts: 5 Things To Know About Lynette Woodard, The First Woman To Play For The Harlem Globetrotters
- Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
- Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow
- Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
- From Basic To Bomb: 5 Ways To Elevate Your Sex Game This Summer
- Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
