Top 16 Black Players Who Shaped The WNBA

7 min read Post on May 17, 2025

Top 16 Black Players Who Shaped The WNBA

Pioneering the League (Early Years)

These trailblazing Black players were instrumental in establishing the WNBA and setting a high standard for future generations of women's basketball players. Their accomplishments laid the foundation for the league's growth and success.

Lisa Leslie: A Dominant Force

Lisa Leslie is a name synonymous with WNBA dominance. A four-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, her impact on the game is undeniable.

Impact on the game: Revolutionized the center position with her athleticism and scoring ability.
Leadership qualities: A natural leader on and off the court, inspiring her teammates and fans alike.
WNBA MVP awards: Multiple MVP awards solidify her place among the league's greatest.
Scoring records: Holds numerous scoring records, showcasing her offensive prowess.

Dawn Staley: A Leader on and Off the Court

Dawn Staley's influence extends beyond her playing days. An exceptional point guard and WNBA champion, she is now a highly successful head coach at the University of South Carolina.

Defensive prowess: Known for her tenacious defense and ability to disrupt opponents.
Leadership: A respected leader who instilled discipline and high standards in her teams.
Coaching achievements: Her success as a coach further demonstrates her understanding and passion for the game.
Impact on women's basketball: A role model for aspiring coaches and players, demonstrating the possibilities for Black women in the sport.

Sheryl Swoopes: An Early Superstar

Sheryl Swoopes was one of the first WNBA superstars, captivating audiences with her versatility and athleticism.

Three-point shooting: A pioneer in three-point shooting for women's basketball.
All-around game: Exhibited exceptional skills in all aspects of the game, making her a well-rounded player.
Impact on the league's popularity: Her talent and charisma helped elevate the WNBA's profile and attract fans.

Dominating the Court (Mid-2000s - 2010s)

This era saw the rise of several exceptional Black players who further cemented the WNBA's position as a premier women's sports league. Their skills and accomplishments during this period significantly impacted the league's growth.

Tamika Catchings: Defensive Prowess and Leadership

Tamika Catchings was an all-around star known for her defensive skills and inspiring leadership.

Rebounding: A master rebounder, consistently securing crucial possessions for her team.
Steals: Her defensive instincts led to numerous steals, disrupting opponents' offensive flow.
Defensive Player of the Year awards: Multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards highlight her defensive dominance.
Community involvement: Known for her extensive community work and charitable contributions.

Diana Taurasi: The Scorer

Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest scorers in WNBA history, renowned for her intensity and clutch performances.

Scoring records: Holds numerous scoring records, showcasing her offensive brilliance.
Championship titles: Multiple championship titles demonstrate her winning mentality and competitive drive.
International success: Her success on the international stage further solidified her legacy.
Competitive spirit: Known for her fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination.

Sue Bird: The Architect

Sue Bird's court vision and passing ability made her a legendary point guard.

Assists: Her exceptional passing skills resulted in countless assists, setting up her teammates for success.
Championships: Multiple championships highlight her consistent performance and leadership.
Longevity: Her long and successful career showcases her dedication and skill.
Influence on the game: Her impact on the game extends beyond statistics, influencing generations of players.

Breanna Stewart: A Force to be Reckoned With

Breanna Stewart is a dominant forward, multiple-time WNBA champion, and MVP award winner.

Scoring: Her scoring ability is consistently impressive, consistently delivering points for her team.
Rebounding: A strong rebounder, contributing significantly to her team's success on the boards.
Championship contributions: Her crucial contributions in championship games highlight her clutch performance.
International success: Similar to Taurasi, Stewart's international success solidifies her impact on the global basketball stage.

The Next Generation (2010s - Present)

These current WNBA stars are shaping the future of the league and inspiring a new generation of fans. They continue to elevate the standard of women's basketball and inspire young athletes across the globe.

Skylar Diggins-Smith: Dynamic Point Guard

Skylar Diggins-Smith is a dynamic point guard known for her scoring and playmaking abilities.

Scoring: A consistent scorer, able to create opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Assists: Her passing skills create many scoring opportunities for her team.
Leadership: A vocal and inspirational leader on the court.
Media presence: Has a strong media presence, increasing the visibility of the WNBA.

Brittney Griner: Dominant Center

Brittney Griner is a dominant center known for her athleticism and scoring ability.

Blocking shots: Her shot-blocking ability significantly impacts opponents' offensive strategies.
Scoring: Her scoring prowess is a key aspect of her overall game.
Impact on the game: She has changed the way the center position is played in women's basketball.
International success: Her success in international competitions shows her dominance on the global stage.

A'ja Wilson: The MVP

A'ja Wilson is a dominant forward, WNBA MVP, and a true all-around player.

Scoring: Her consistent scoring is a defining characteristic of her game.
Rebounding: A strong rebounder, securing crucial possessions for her team.
Blocking shots: Her shot-blocking is another impactful aspect of her defensive game.
MVP awards: Her MVP award solidifies her status as one of the league's best.

Candace Parker: Versatility Personified

Candace Parker is one of the most versatile players in WNBA history.

Scoring: Her scoring ability is a consistently potent threat.
Rebounding: Her rebounding skills greatly benefit her team's offensive and defensive strategies.
Assists: Her ability to facilitate plays and distribute the ball creates multiple scoring opportunities.
Championships & Olympic Gold Medals: Her accomplishments demonstrate her skill and dedication to winning.

Maya Moore: Exceptional Forward

Maya Moore is an exceptional forward known for her scoring and all-around play.

Scoring: Her scoring prowess makes her a consistent offensive threat.
Leadership: Her leadership on and off the court has inspired many.
Championships: Her championship wins highlight her team success.
Impact on the game: Her overall game significantly impacts her team's strategic plays.

Sylvia Fowles: Defensive Dominance

Sylvia Fowles is a dominant center known for her rebounding and defensive skills.

Rebounding: Her rebounding skills are unparalleled, securing crucial possessions.
Blocks: Her shot-blocking is an intimidating factor for opponents.
Championships: Multiple championships highlight her contribution to winning teams.
Longevity: Her prolonged successful career in the WNBA demonstrates her talent and longevity in the sport.

Elena Delle Donne: Exceptional Versatility

Elena Delle Donne is an exceptional forward, WNBA MVP, and known for her scoring and versatility.

Scoring: Her scoring ability is a significant aspect of her overall game.
Versatility: Her ability to play multiple positions makes her a valuable asset.
Championship contributions: Her contributions to championship teams highlight her significance.
Inspiring others: She is an inspiration to women’s basketball players around the world.

Jewell Loyd: The Future Leader

Jewell Loyd is an exceptional scorer and leader, known for her ability to take over games.

Scoring: Her high-scoring ability is a key aspect of her game.
Clutch performances: Her ability to perform under pressure highlights her clutch performances.
Future leader of the league: Many consider her to be one of the future leaders of the WNBA.

Conclusion

This article has highlighted just a fraction of the incredibly talented Black players who have shaped the WNBA, showcasing their on-court dominance and off-court influence. Their legacies extend far beyond statistics, inspiring young athletes and fans around the world. These African American athletes are true role models, demonstrating excellence both in the sport and in their communities.

Call to Action: Celebrate the contributions of these amazing athletes and continue to support the WNBA and its incredible Black players. Learn more about the rich history of Black players in the WNBA and continue to champion their achievements and contributions to the sport. Let's continue to uplift and celebrate the legacy of Black excellence in the WNBA.