Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink and Kamilla Cardoso are among the WNBA’s best young stars. Today, WNBA analyst Hunter Cruse ranks the top players under 25 years old.
Ranking the 25 best WNBA players right now
In a league filled with talent, narrowing it down to the top 25 players is a tough task.
As the highly anticipated 2024 WNBA season gets underway, here are the top 25 players currently playing in the league. This was a difficult exercise after the top spot. Realistically, there are at least 10 players who could be as high as the top five – that’s what makes the WNBA so wildly entertaining.
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Wilson’s dominance is evident as she leads the league in scoring with 28.3 points per game, while also contributing 11.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals and three blocks per game, via ESPN. Her efficiency is unmatched, shooting 50.8% from the field. Her recent 31-point, eight-rebound game vs. the Los Angeles Sparks solidifies her status as the top player.
2. Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
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Copper’s move to the Mercury has been impactful, with her explosiveness making her a scoring machine for Phoenix. She is averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Her shooting accuracy is impressive at 44%, making her a top offensive threat.
3. Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun
Known for her all-around game, Thomas, a rebound force to be reckoned with, nearly averages a triple-double with 12.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game so far. Her defensive versatility and leadership are crucial for the Sun. She started the 2024 season with a bang, recording a triple-double in the WNBA’s opening night vs. the Indiana Fever on May 14.
4. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Collier’s stellar play includes 21.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. Her ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes her a top MVP candidate this season, and her versatility makes her an indispensable player for the Lynx.
5. Dearica Hamby, Los Angeles Sparks
Hamby averages 20.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, showcasing her double-double prowess and efficiency with a 55.2% field goal percentage.
6. Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
Plum’s consistent scoring and playmaking, with averages of 19.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, make her an intergral part of the Aces’ offensive machine. She is currently shooting 34.9% from three-point range.
7. Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm
Loyd leads the Storm with 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Her ability to create shots and score consistently makes her constant threat.
8. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY SportsStewart continues to impress with 18.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Her versatility and defensive skills are key for the Liberty.
9. Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
Ogunbowale has been extremely impressive right off the bat this season. She is a scoring leader with 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Her offensive explosiveness and efficiency make her a standout player.
10. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Young’s evolution into a consistent scorer solidifies her spot among the best. Currently she is averaging 18.3 points, seven rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Her defensive contributions and scoring ability are crucial for the Aces.
11. Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx
McBride’s sharpshooting skills are on display with 18 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She leads the league in three-point shooting percentage at an eye-popping 51.2%. In Sunday’s game against the Storm, McBride made seven of 10 three-point attempts. She’s socred at least 25 points in three of the Lynx’s last four games.
12. Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm
Ogwumike’s all-around game is evident with 17.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Her leadership and efficiency make her a vital player for the Storm.
13. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
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Magbegor’s defensive presence and rebounding have been stellar, averaging 13.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and leading the league with three blocks per game.
14. Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Griner’s interior scoring and shot-blocking are crucial for the Mercury. In just two games this season after returning from a foot injury, Griner has averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. Her most recent outing Sunday against the Sparks included a 24-point performance.
15. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Ionescu’s shooting and playmaking are vital for the Liberty, with her setting a single-season record for three-pointers made last season. This season, she is putting up averages of 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Her shooting and playmaking abilities make her a top guard in the WNBA.
16. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Taurasi continues to be a key player with 16 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Her veteran leadership and scoring ability are invaluable for not only the Mercury, but the WNBA at large.
17. DeWanna Bonner, Connecticut Sun
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Bonner’s scoring and defensive versatility are highlighted by her 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.18. Skylar Diggins-Smith, Seattle Storm
Diggins-Smith’s return to the court this season following maternity leave has been impactful for the Storm. Her Diggins-Smith’s playmaking and scoring are essential, contributing 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. but above all, she brings strong leadership to the Seattle.
19. Brionna Jones, Connecticut Sun
Despite injury setbacks, Jones efficiency and rebounding make her a top center when healthy. She has been crucial for the Sun’s 9-1 record so far this season, averaging 13.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 60.6% from the field.
20. Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty
Jones’ playoff performances last seasons and her strong start in 2024, including a recent 29-point game Sunday against the Washington Mystics, show why she is so vital for the Liberty. She is currently averaging 15.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
21. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
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Clark’s scoring and playmaking are impressive in her rookie season, averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Her debut month in a professional league garnered her the WNBA’S May Rookie of the Month nod.
22. Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream
Howard has continued to improve since 2023, making her a rising star. So far, she is contributing 15.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
21. Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream
Gray’s versatile game is crucial for the Dream, averaging 16. points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
24. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever
Mitchell’s scoring and playmaking are vital for the Fever, averaging 15.2 points, 3.3 assists and shooting 38.5% from the field.
25. NaLyssa Smith, Indiana Fever
Smith’s all-around game includes 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, nd 1.5 assists per game. Her presence in the paint and defensive skills make her a valuable asset for the Fever.
