2024 WNBA: Top 10 Player Rankings

Women’s basketball is more popular than ever, shattering records with the highest viewership numbers for the 2024 WNBA draft and selling more tickets for regular season games than ever before. With growing media coverage and fan engagement, the excitement around the WNBA continues to reach new heights. With all this attention, especially around individual star players, fans have been asking: who are the best WNBA players right now?

You can watch the WNBA on several different channels and streaming platforms. If you’re having trouble streaming a specific game because it’s blacked out in your region, or because you’re traveling abroad, Private Internet Access (PIA) can help you bypass these restrictions and ensure you never miss a moment of the action.

Read on for our Top 10 list of the best players in the WNBA.

10 Best WNBA Players in 2024 

There is more hype around Caitlin Clark coming into the WNBA than any other player in league history, but can we already add her to the list of the best WNBA players right now? She’s coming off a sensational college career where she set the all-time NCAA scoring record – but the rookie guard still has to show that her skills translate from the college game to the pros.

Let’s focus on the top 10 players who have already established themselves as the elite in the WNBA. These athletes have proven their talent, consistency, and impact on the court, solidifying their places as the best in the league today with impressive stats and accolades from analysts.

10. Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury) – Dominant Center and Shot-Blocker

Brittney Griner is one of the most dominant centers in WNBA history, known for her shot-blocking and scoring abilities. She has led the league in blocks multiple times and is a perennial All-Star. Last season, she averaged 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game, after missing the 2022 season.

Griner’s presence in the paint makes her a defensive anchor and a go-to scorer for the Mercury. Her impact on the game is profound, making her a cornerstone of her team.

9. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) – Rising Star with Triple-Double Prowess

Sabrina Ionescu is a rising star in the WNBA, known for her triple-double capabilities and versatile play. Last season, she averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Ionescu’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has quickly made her a key player for the Liberty.

Ionescu’s competitive spirit and leadership qualities are evident on the court. She faced off against NBA star Steph Curry in a 3-point shooting contest during the 2024 NBA All Star Weekend. She is poised to rise up the list of the league’s top players in the coming years. 

8. Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces) – Reliable Scorer and Defensive Asset

Jackie Young is the highest paid player in the WNBA. She is one of the most reliable and efficient players for the Las Vegas Aces. Known for her scoring and defensive skills, she averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season.

Young’s versatility allows her to contribute significantly in various roles. Her consistent performance and ability to impact the game on both ends make her a key player for the Aces. Young’s steady development makes her a significant asset to her team now and likely into the future.

7. Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm) – Dynamic Scorer and Clutch Performer

Jewell Loyd is a dynamic guard known for her scoring and clutch performances. A key player for the Seattle Storm, she has been instrumental in their recent successes, including two championships. Last season, she averaged 17.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Loyd’s ability to score from anywhere on the court – and her defensive tenacity – make her a standout player. Her leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the Storm.

6. Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Sun) – Dominant Center and 2021 MVP

Jonquel Jones is a dominant center known for her rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring ability. She was the 2021 WNBA MVP and has been a crucial player for the Connecticut Sun. Last season, Jones averaged 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

Jones’ athleticism and skill set make her a standout on both ends of the court. Her presence in the paint and her versatility have been vital to the Sun’s success.

5. Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) – Top 10 in Scoring, Rebounds, & Steals

Napheesa Collier has quickly established herself as one of the premier forwards in the WNBA. Known for her defensive prowess and versatility, she averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game last season.

Collier’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes her a key player for the Lynx. Her all-around game and leadership qualities have earned her All-Star selections and accolades. Collier’s consistent performance continues to elevate her status in the league.

4. Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces) – Clutch Performer and Finals MVP

Chelsea Gray, the “Point Gawd,” is renowned for her playmaking abilities and her clutch performances. As the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP, she played a pivotal role in leading the Las Vegas Aces to their first championship.

Gray averaged 13.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. Her ability to hit big shots in crucial moments and orchestrate the offense makes her an invaluable asset to the Aces. In spite of being sidelined by a foot injury in Game 3 of the 2023 WNBA finals, Gray’s experience and veteran leadership were instrumental in her team’s eventual title win.

3. Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun) – Triple-Double Threat and Tenacious Leader

Alyssa Thomas is known as “The Engine” because of her relentless energy and versatility on the court. She excels at both ends, often filling the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists. Last season, she averaged 14.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.

Thomas’s ability to play multiple positions and her relentless defense make her a go-to player for the Sun. Her toughness and leadership are vital to her team’s success.

2. Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm) – 2X WNBA Champion, 2X MVP, and 5 All Star Appearances

Breanna Stewart is one of the most versatile and talented players in the WNBA. She has led the Seattle Storm to championships in 2018 and 2020, earning Finals MVP honors both times. Last season, Stewart averaged 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, reaffirming her status as a top performer.

A former league MVP, Stewart is known for her scoring ability, defensive skills, and clutch performances. Her all-around game and leadership ability make her indispensable to the Storm.

1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) – 2X MVP and WNBA Champ

A’ja Wilson is a dominant forward who has quickly become one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. A two-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022), she led the Las Vegas Aces to their first championship in 2022. Wilson averaged 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season, showcasing her ability to impact both ends of the court.

Known for her scoring prowess and defensive intensity, Wilson is a cornerstone of the Aces’ success. Her leadership and competitive spirit make her a formidable presence in the league.

Best Players in WNBA History 

To truly appreciate today’s WNBA stars, it’s important to know the all-time greats who paved the way. Here are the top players in WNBA history, whose incredible careers set the standard for excellence in the league.

• Lisa Leslie is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP. She led the Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002 and was an eight-time All-Star.
• Diana Taurasi, the “White Mamba,” is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. She has won three WNBA championships with the Phoenix Mercury, two Finals MVPs, and has been selected to the All-Star team ten times.
• Tamika Catchings is known for her all-around game and defensive prowess, earning five Defensive Player of the Year awards. She led the Indiana Fever to a championship in 2012 and was a ten-time All-Star and 2011 MVP.
• Maya Moore is a versatile forward who won four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx. She was a six-time All-Star, a former MVP, and is considered one of the most clutch performers in league history.
• Lauren Jackson, a dominant force from Australia, won two championships with the Seattle Storm. She was a three-time MVP and a seven-time All-Star, known for her scoring and shot-blocking abilities.
• Cynthia Cooper-Dyke was a key player for the Houston Comets, leading them to four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000. She won the Finals MVP in each of those years and was a two-time league MVP.
• Sheryl Swoopes, often called the “female Michael Jordan,” was a three-time MVP and a four-time champion with the Houston Comets. She was known for her scoring, defense, and versatility, earning eight All-Star selections.
• Tina Thompson, the first player drafted in WNBA history, won four championships with the Houston Comets. She was a nine-time All-Star and remains one of the league’s top scorers.
• Candace Parker, a two-time MVP, led the Los Angeles Sparks to a championship in 2016. She has been a WNBA All-Star seven times and is known for her versatility, athleticism, and leadership on the court.
• Sue Bird, a legendary point guard, has won four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm. She is an eleven-time All-Star and the league’s all-time leader in assists, known for her playmaking and leadership skills.

A Look Ahead: The 2024 WNBA Season

The 2024 WNBA season promises excitement with a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents. The Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, are favorites to repeat as champions. The Seattle Storm, driven by Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd, and the Chicago Sky, anchored by Courtney Vandersloot, are also strong contenders.

Expect standout performances from A’ja Wilson, a top MVP candidate, and Arike Ogunbowale, poised for a breakout season. Rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will be closely watched to see if their college success translates to the WNBA.

Why you need a VPN to Stream the WNBA

To stream WNBA games, you’ll need access to networks that stream sports, like ABC, ESPN, Paramount Plus, Prime Video, and ION TV, or a streaming service that includes these channels. However, simply having the apps might not be enough – network restrictions at your office, school, or other locations can block you from streaming.

PIA VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your online activity from the network. This allows you to watch all the live action as it happens, rather than missing out and only seeing the highlights later.

If you’re traveling abroad, you may find streaming platforms that carry the WNBA won’t allow you to watch games, because they have detected that you are accessing the platform from outside of the US. The solution is simple – just connect to one of PIA VPN’s US servers to access your accounts and live stream the games as normal.

Even when you’re at home, using a VPN can enhance your streaming experience. VPN encryption prevents your ISP from throttling your internet speed based on your activity, ensuring you can stream the games in HD without buffering or quality drops.

Try PIA risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The WNBA Is More Popular Than Ever – Don’t Miss Out!

There’s a reason the WNBA fanbase is growing so quickly. It’s a league where standout performances and unexpected upsets define every game, making each a must-watch event.

Throughout the season, watch as the stars rise to the occasion, find out whether rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink can prove they belong, and catch a highly competitive playoff postseason. The excitement and unpredictability of the WNBA ensure that every game is filled with unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re a longtime fan, rooting for a specific team or player, or just love the thrill of world-class basketball, there’s no excuse to miss any WNBA action. If you’re traveling or studying abroad, or facing local network restrictions, PIA VPN has you covered from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. With VPN servers across the USA, you can stream every highlight and heart-stopping play that makes the WNBA so special.

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