Founded in 1996, the Women’s National Basketball Association is a space for women to ball and shine in their excellence. Composed of 12 teams, talented athletes from all around the country have been making history and earning their respect as some of the best players in the world. Beyond their stats and accolades, it’s their discipline and humble beginnings that make them true all-stars.
Black women WNBA players are the best of the best. They have overcome rejection and strife to prove that there’s nothing that can stop a woman hungry for success. Here are some of the WNBA players who have inspired the world on and off the court.
Brittney Griner
Besides Britney Griner’s excellence on the court, she’s overcome unimaginable strife and continues to shine. The three-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time WNBA All-Star became one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2023. Amidst her countless accolades, her strength was tested when she was arrested on smuggling charges by Russian officials for possessing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil. Sentenced to nine years, America fought for her return and Russian officials released her on Dec. 8, 2022. She made her return to the WNBA in May 2023, receiving a standing ovation.
Lisa Leslie
Currently the head coach for Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league, Lisa Leslie is the first player to dunk during a WNBA game. Her 6’5 stature and mastered skill earned her a three-time MVP title and four Olympic golds. In 2015, she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. She’s been a game-changing asset for every team she’s played on. Parker lead the Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002. She also lead the Sky to win their first title ever. Following in Leslie’s footsteps, she became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and twice in a college game.
Sheryl Swoops
Sheryl Swoops is the first player to be signed to the WNBA. The three-time WNBA MVP was named one of the league’s Top 15 Players of All Time at the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game. With three Olympic medals under her belt, Swoopes was the second player in WNBA history to win both the regular season MVP award and the All-Star Game MVP award. She also was the first player in WNBA history to record a triple-double in the regular season and the playoffs. She had a late-season debut for her career due to the birth of her son. However, her journey only proves that it is never too late to achieve greatness.
Dawn Staley
Dawn Staley is the first person to win the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach. She set records during her college career before joining the WNBA and receiving six consecutive WNBA All-Star selections. She now serves as South Carolina’s head coach, leading them to nothing but greatness. This includes eight SEC regular season championships, eight SEC tournament championships, five Final Fours, three NCAA women’s basketball national championships, and a perfect season in 2024.
Gabby Williams
Gabby Williams is so inspiring because of her unwavering commitment to knowing her worth. Her WNBA career wasn’t without drama. She quickly became an advocate for WNBA players after the receiving no accommodations for playing overseas and in the Olympics. Her fight left her suspended and without pay, causing her to pursue her dreams overseas.
Since then, she has since politely declined to return to the WNBA. She eventually shared that the “teams aren’t touching what I’m making in Europe.”
Kahleah Copper
Initially a bench player for three years, Copper’s exceptional skills eventually elevated her to a leading role. She began playing in the starting five in 2020. Copper led the Chicago Sky to the 2021 playoffs, becoming the WNBA Finals MVP as the team won their first title in franchise history. Her athletic journey is proof that even if they sleep on you, it’s always worth it to grind hard and live your truth.
Courtney Williams
Courtney Williams’ time in the WNBA has given her a chance to prove her greatness. On June 14, during a home game against the Sparks, Williams became the fourth WNBA player to have 15+ points, 10+ assists, 8+ rebounds and 4+ steals. Beyond her time in the WNBA, Williams was one of 12 players to play for the US at the 2015 World University games, held in Gwangju, South Korea. The USA ended up winning the gold, with Williams contributing a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Ariel Atkins
After her first-round draft by the Washington Mystics, Ariel Atkins aided in them reaching their first championship in 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun 3-2. She shines bright as a starter. Atkins became a two-time WNBA All-Star and named to the All-Defensive Second Team three times in three career seasons. In August 2023, she signed a multi-year extension to stay in Washington with the Mystics. During the WNBA’s off-season, she brought her talents overseas to play for teams in Australia, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine. She also received the honor of representing the USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan, named to the 12-player roster that won gold.
Angel Reese
In her rookie season, Angel Reese became a WNBA All-Star. Known as the Bayou-Barbie, she’s only just beginning to show the world what she’s got. Since the draft, Reese has set the league single-season record in rebounds. Though she’s currently battling a season-ending wrist injury, there’s no doubt that her comeback will be historical.