Explore the best WNBA draft classes of all time. From iconic rookies to future Hall of Famers, these top 5 classes reshaped the league forever.
Why Draft Classes Matter in the WNBA
When it comes to building a championship team in the WNBA, nothing sets the foundation quite like a killer draft class. With only 12 teams and limited roster spots, every single draft pick matters more than most fans realize. That’s why the best WNBA draft classes of all time have had such a lasting impact.
Limited Roster Spots Mean Every Pick Counts
Unlike the NBA, the WNBA has a smaller league size and tighter roster restrictions. A great draft class can shape a team—or even a dynasty—for a decade.
Star-Studded Classes Build Dynasties
Some draft years have been so stacked, they’ve produced multiple All-Stars, MVPs, and Finals MVPs. These aren’t just good players—they’re league-changers.
Rookies Often Become Faces of the League
From Diana Taurasi in 2004 to Breanna Stewart in 2016, some of the most iconic WNBA faces made their mark as soon as they stepped into the league.
What Makes a Draft Class Legendary?
Not every draft is created equal. Here’s what separates the historic from the average.
Multiple All-Stars and MVPs
A legendary class doesn’t just have one superstar—it produces several. We’re talking All-Star appearances, MVPs, and career longevity.
Championship Impact
The best draft classes help teams win—whether it’s one ring or several.
Long-Term League Influence
These players shift the culture, push the game forward, and become the blueprint for the next generation.
Best WNBA Draft Classes of All Time – Ranked
Here’s our countdown of the top 5 WNBA draft classes ever, based on impact, accolades, and legacy.
1. Class of 2004
Arguably the greatest class ever.
Key Players:
- Diana Taurasi (No. 1 overall)
- Lindsay Whalen
- Alana Beard
- Rebekkah Brunson
Why It Was Special:
Taurasi is the league’s all-time leading scorer and arguably its most iconic player. Whalen was a top-tier point guard and four-time champion. Brunson holds the record for most WNBA championships (5), and Beard was a four-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year.
🏆 Combined: 4 MVPs, 14 championships, 20+ All-Star appearances.
2. Class of 2008
A class full of elite bigs and game-changers.
Key Players:
- Candace Parker (No. 1)
- Sylvia Fowles
- Essence Carson
- Candice Wiggins
Why It Was Special:
Parker was Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Fowles became one of the most dominant post players ever, winning MVP and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.
💪 Two of the best frontcourt players in WNBA history, in one class.
3. Class of 2016
Still in their prime—and dominating.
Key Players:
- Breanna Stewart (No. 1)
- Jonquel Jones
- Kahleah Copper
- Tiffany Mitchell
Why It Was Special:
Stewart has already won MVPs and championships. Jonquel Jones won MVP in 2021. Kahleah Copper became Finals MVP in 2021, leading the Chicago Sky to their first title.
🌟 This class is still writing its legacy—but it’s already legendary.
4. Class of 2011
Led by a player many argue could’ve been the GOAT.
Key Players:
- Maya Moore (No. 1)
- Liz Cambage
- Danielle Adams
- Jasmine Thomas
Why It Was Special:
Maya Moore had one of the most efficient, successful careers ever before stepping away to focus on criminal justice reform. Cambage was a dominant force at center. Moore’s winning culture helped the Minnesota Lynx create a dynasty.
🐐 Maya Moore = greatness. This class delivered both talent and social impact.
5. Class of 2020
This class entered during the COVID-affected bubble season—aka the “Wubble”—and still made a splash.
Key Players:
- Sabrina Ionescu (No. 1)
- Satou Sabally
- Chennedy Carter
- Crystal Dangerfield
Why It Was Special:
Sabrina came in with Kobe Bryant’s mentorship and lived up to the hype. Satou Sabally became an All-Star by 2023. Crystal Dangerfield was 2020’s Rookie of the Year despite being a second-round pick.
🔥 Despite pandemic challenges, this class is shaping the modern WNBA.
Honorable Mentions
Class of 2002 – Sue Bird, Swin Cash
Sue Bird became the longest-tenured WNBA player ever, winning 4 championships. Swin Cash was a Finals MVP and later a league executive.
Class of 1999 – Yolanda Griffith, Ticha Penicheiro
Two Hall of Famers in one class. Griffith won MVP and was a defensive force. Penicheiro was one of the greatest passers the league has ever seen.
Class of 2023 – Clark, Reese, Brink (Projected)
They just entered the league, but early signs point to this being a top 5 draft class in the future.
📈 The 2023 class could be legendary—stay tuned.
How These Draft Classes Reshaped the WNBA
League Marketing and Media Appeal
Players like Taurasi, Parker, and Stewart became faces of the league, used in commercials, and marketed globally.
Raising the Level of Play
Each great class introduced new skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ that forced veterans to evolve and pushed the game forward.
Shifting Team Dynasties
The 2004 class fueled Minnesota and Phoenix. The 2008 class helped LA and Chicago. The impact is real and measurable.
Future Draft Classes to Watch
2024–2025 Rookies
With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson already making waves, this is a golden era of talent.
Impact of NIL on Draft Readiness
College players are entering the WNBA more prepared—both on the court and as businesswomen—thanks to the NIL era.
The College-to-Pro Pipeline Evolution
With NCAA games drawing millions of viewers, future WNBA draft classes will enter with unprecedented hype and opportunity.
Final Thoughts: Building the League Through the Draft
The best WNBA draft classes of all time aren’t just stacked with talent—they shape the identity of the league. From 2004’s legends to 2023’s rising stars, each group has left its mark. And as the WNBA continues to grow, the draft will remain the heartbeat of the league’s future.
FAQs
1. Which WNBA draft class had the most MVPs?
The 2004 and 2008 classes are neck-and-neck with multiple MVP awards between Taurasi, Parker, and others.
2. What was the most hyped WNBA draft class?
2020 was highly anticipated due to Sabrina Ionescu, but 2023 might top it in terms of media coverage.
3. Who was the best No. 1 WNBA pick of all time?
Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore are often in that conversation, though Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are catching up fast.
4. Has a second-round pick ever become a superstar?
Yes! Crystal Dangerfield (2020) won Rookie of the Year after being a second-round pick.
5. How has the WNBA draft evolved since 1997?
It’s become more competitive, more strategic, and far more publicized—especially in the NIL and social media era.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
