When the WNBA tipped off in 1997, few could have predicted the scoring excellence that would unfold over the next several decades. As the league celebrates its remarkable growth, we’re diving deep into the careers of the most prolific scorers who have graced the hardwood. These aren’t just players who put up impressive numbers – they’re pioneers who helped build the foundation of professional women’s basketball in America.
Let’s explore how these top 10 WNBA players of all-time and incredible athletes transformed a fledgling league into a powerhouse of professional sports. From packed arenas to prime-time television slots, the WNBA’s evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. The league started with just eight teams and a dream of creating opportunities for female athletes. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and athletic excellence.
The Journey to Scoring Greatness
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In the early years, skeptics questioned whether a professional women’s basketball league could survive. But these scoring legends didn’t just survive – they thrived. They brought a level of skill, determination, and showmanship that demanded attention and respect. Their scoring prowess became appointment viewing, drawing fans who came to see jump shots and crossovers that rivaled any in professional basketball.
The impact of these early years set the stage for what was to come. Television ratings grew, sponsorships increased, and a new generation of young athletes began dreaming of WNBA careers. The league’s growth mirrored the development of women’s sports globally, proving that there was not just a market for women’s professional basketball, but a hunger for it.
As we examine the careers of the WNBA’s greatest scorers, we’ll see how each player contributed their own unique chapter to this incredible story. From Diana Taurasi’s long-range shooting exhibitions to Lisa Leslie’s dominant post play, these athletes didn’t just score points – they changed perceptions and raised the bar for excellence in women’s professional sports. Their achievements have become the foundation upon which today’s stars continue to build, creating an ever-stronger legacy for future generations.
The Top 3 Ballers
- Diana Taurasi stands alone at the summit of WNBA scoring with an astounding 9,693 points, a record that showcases her unparalleled offensive dominance. The Phoenix Mercury legend has dominated the league since 2004, combining deep three-point range with an unstoppable mid-range game that defenders still struggle to contain. Her scoring average of 19.2 points per game isn’t just impressive – it’s historic, setting a standard that may never be matched. Taurasi’s ability to take over games in crucial moments earned her the nickname “White Mamba,” a testament to her killer instinct and clutch performances. Her scoring repertoire includes everything from step-back threes to crafty drives to the basket, making her arguably the most complete offensive player in WNBA history.
2. Following closely behind is Tina Thompson, the WNBA’s first-ever draft pick, who amassed 7,488 points over her stellar career that helped establish the league’s standard of excellence. Thompson’s consistency was remarkable, as she developed a reputation for delivering in big moments while playing for the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks, leading her teams to multiple championships. Her trademark red lipstick became as famous as her deadly elbow jumper, which opponents knew was coming but still couldn’t stop. Thompson’s impact extended beyond scoring, as she mentored countless young players and helped grow the league’s popularity through her combination of skill and style.
3. Tamika Catchings rounds out the top three with 7,380 points, all scored while wearing an Indiana Fever jersey, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and consistency throughout her career. What makes Catchings’ achievement even more impressive is that she accomplished this while being one of the greatest defenders in WNBA history, often guarding the opponent’s best player while carrying the offensive load. Her tenacity on both ends of the floor set a new standard for complete players, inspiring a generation of two-way stars. Beyond her scoring ability, she was known for making crucial plays in big moments, leading Indiana to multiple finals appearances and a championship through sheer determination and skill.
The Elite Company
- Cappie Pondexter (6,811 points) Pondexter revolutionized the guard position with her devastating crossover that consistently left defenders frozen in their tracks, maintaining an impressive average of 19.6 points during her prime years from 2006-2009. Her leadership proved instrumental in guiding the Phoenix Mercury to two WNBA championships, while earning seven WNBA All-Star selections. Pondexter’s Olympic journey culminated in a gold medal in 2008, adding to her impressive resume that included a career-high 40 points against the Connecticut Sun in 2009. Her signature step-back jumper became nearly unguardable, earning her the nickname “Captain Clutch” for her ability to deliver under pressure.
- Katie Smith (6,452 points) Smith stands as a pioneer who redefined physical guard play in the WNBA, accumulating over 900 career three-pointers. Her professional journey began in the ABL before transitioning to the WNBA, where she contributed to two Detroit Shock championships and earned seven All-Star selections. Smith’s excellence extended internationally with three Olympic gold medals in 2000, 2004, and 2008. Her perfect shooting form and ability to create space became a model for future generations of players.
- Lisa Leslie (6,263 points) Leslie made history as the first player to successfully dunk in a WNBA game while earning three WNBA MVP awards in 2001, 2004, and 2006. Her leadership guided the Los Angeles Sparks to two championships, maintaining an impressive career scoring average of 17.3 points per game. Leslie’s revolutionary post moves transformed how centers approached the game, creating a new blueprint for the position. Her international success included four Olympic gold medals, while being named to the All-WNBA First Team eight times.
- Lauren Jackson (6,007 points) Jackson dominated the league with three WNBA MVP awards in 2003, 2007, and 2010, while maintaining an outstanding career scoring average of 18.9 points per game. Her leadership proved instrumental in securing two WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, earning eight All-Star selections along the way. Jackson’s unique ability to score both inside and outside made her a matchup nightmare for opponents, setting scoring records for international players. The Australian basketball icon’s clutch performances in crucial games became legendary among fans and peers alike.
- Candice Dupree (6,895 points) Dupree established herself as the most accurate mid-range shooter in WNBA history, earning seven All-Star selections while maintaining a career field goal percentage over 50%. Her championship run with the Phoenix Mercury showcased her ability to perform at the highest level, never averaging fewer than 11 points throughout her 15 seasons. Her mastery of the pick-and-pop game created a template for future power forwards, while her professional approach and quiet leadership style earned league-wide respect. Dupree’s consistent production made her one of the most reliable scorers in WNBA history.
- Seimone Augustus (6,005 points) Augustus played a crucial role in building the Minnesota Lynx dynasty, contributing to four WNBA championships while earning eight All-Star selections. Her international career included three Olympic gold medals in 2008, 2012, and 2016, maintaining an impressive career average of 15.4 points per game. Augustus’s smooth offensive style became legendary, particularly her perfected pull-up jumper that became an almost unstoppable weapon. Her playoff performances became the stuff of legend, including a career-high 39 points against the Phoenix Mercury.
- Sue Bird (6,803 points) Bird stands as the WNBA’s all-time assist leader while also securing four WNBA championships and thirteen All-Star selections. Her five Olympic gold medals and career spanning over twenty years showcase her exceptional longevity and excellence at the highest level. Bird’s basketball IQ and leadership abilities set new standards for point guard play, revolutionizing the position with her perfect balance of scoring and playmaking. Her career three-point shooting percentage of over 40% demonstrates her exceptional efficiency as a scorer, particularly in clutch moments.
Legacy Beyond the Numbers
These players didn’t just score points – they transformed women’s basketball. Their impact extends far beyond statistical achievements. They’ve inspired countless young athletes, broken down barriers, and helped secure better conditions for future generations of players.
The NBA’s influence has grown significantly thanks to these scoring leaders. Television contracts have improved, attendance has increased, and the overall quality of play continues to rise. Many of these players have transitioned into coaching, broadcasting, or leadership roles, ensuring their influence continues to shape the game.
Their combined achievements include numerous MVP awards, championships, and Olympic gold medals. More importantly, they’ve created pathways for future players and helped establish women’s professional basketball as a viable career option.
Looking ahead, the records set by these scoring legends may eventually fall, but their impact on the game will never diminish. They’ve set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire new generations of players who dream of following in their footsteps.
The story of these top 10 scorers is more than just about points – it’s about perseverance, excellence, and the growth of a league that continues to reach new heights. As the WNBA moves forward, these players’ legacies serve as a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity and determination.
Their scoring records stand as testament to their greatness, but their true legacy lies in how they’ve advanced women’s basketball. Future generations will build upon their achievements, but these top 10 WNBA players of all-time will always be remembered as the scoring pioneers who helped establish the WNBA as one of the world’s premier professional sports leagues.
