Ranking 10 best players in WNBA: Caitlin Clark already among the elites

The WNBA is coming off a breakout season behind Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. The rookie brought millions of fans from her college career and helped the entire league grow. Popularity and viewership are way up, and the WNBA is just getting started.

Clark made first-team All-WNBA as a rookie and is already one of the league’s best. She broke the record for assists in a season and lifted the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. It was a special campaign, but where does the 22-year-old sit among the W’s best?

The league is loaded with talent and several players have a case to make the top ten. These rankings are based on who a team would select to win a game right now. Caitlin Clark proved she is an elite offensive engine, but does she already give her franchise the best chance to win any contest? Here is a closer look.

10. Jackie Young

Young is a winner and was a key cog in the Aces back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Her production dipped a bit this season, but she remains a two-way force with a versatile skill set. The 6’0 guard took on more playmaking responsibilities this season and helped Team USA win an Olympic gold.

9. Kahleah Copper

Copper was the W’s third-leading scorer and made second-team All-WNBA as she led the Mercury to the playoffs. The 6’1 wing’s breakout was key in the Sky winning a title in 2021 and she keeps improving. Copper is a winner who helped Team USA take home Olympic gold this summer.

8. Jonquel Jones

The 6’6 center was second-team All-WNBA and second-team All-Defense this season. She won MVP in 2021 and is one of the most unique players in the league. Her size creates problems, but Jones can step out on the perimeter and shoot. The 30-year-old helped the Liberty win their first championship and created significant mismatches.

7. Nneka Ogwumike

The versatile two-way force was second-team All-WNBA for the third straight year. She has also been second-team All-Defense for two straight. The 6’2 forward shot north of 40 percent from 3-point range on limited volume and does it both ends. She is a consistent producer and the type of player every team would love to have on their roster.

6. Sabrina Ionescu

The three-time All-Star was the top playmaker on the championship squad. She may be the only one who can match Caitlin Clark’s shooting range and is an unquestioned superstar. Many wanted Ionescu on first-team All-WNBA over the Fever’s star, but her efficiency dipped with additional attempts for the Liberty.

She is one of three New York players in the top ten and two in the top six. The champions were the best team in the W all season, and Sabrina Ionescu is elite. She just missed cracking the top five but is in the middle of her prime. Expect her to remain in this conversation for years to come.

5. Alyssa Thomas

Thomas is an elite two-way option. The 6’2 forward is one of the best playmakers in the W and a lockdown defender. She has made the All-WNBA and All-Defensive teams for three straight years as the Sun have been one of the last four teams standing for six consecutive. Thomas has been a catalyst for their success.

She does not shoot threes, but Thomas makes impacts in other areas. The 32-year-old was second in the W in assists per game and top ten in rebounds. Thomas is a versatile option and deserving of a top-five ranking. She may be nearing the end of her prime, but this list is based on right now.

4. Caitlin Clark

Clark broke the record for assists in a season and led the best offense in the W after the Olympic break. She is the best playmaker and points generator in the game. The Fever did not always play to her strengths, but that will change in year two. Expect number 22 to be even better as Indiana looks to jump into the title race.

Clark must improve her defense and prove her post-Olympic break numbers are the norm. If she does, CC will be firmly in the MVP race and the conversation for the best player in the world.

3. Breanna Stewart

Stewart was one of five players to average over 20 points per game this season, and the two-time MVP is elite on both ends of the floor. The 6’4 forward is one of the best scorers and rebounds to go with her ability to protect the rim, create turnovers, make plays, and space the floor. There is no stopping Stewie.

She won her third championship and got the New York Liberty their first ring this season. The 30-year-old is arguably the greatest player of this generation and has a case to be the top player right now, but she just missed.

2. Napheesa Collier

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year averaged over 20 points per game and led the Lynx to the WNBA Finals. Few predicted Minnesota to reach those heights before the season, but Collier cemented herself as one of the best players in the world.

She finished second in MVP voting and was even better in the playoffs. Phee was unstoppable on offense and making clutch plays on the other end. The 6’1 forward is a problem few teams can even begin to solve. She could take over as the top player next season, but it has not happened yet.

1. A’ja Wilson

The three-time MVP is coming off a dominant season where she led the W in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. Wilson is a presence in the paint and a force at the rim. The six-time All-Star is in her prime and continues to prove she is elite.

This race will tighten in 2025. Stewie is coming off a championship with Collier and Clark hungry to make a push. Can someone dethrone A’ja Wilson? It won’t be easy, but the W features several worthy challengers. The race will be fluid, and Fever fans may not have to wait long for Caitlin Clark to take over.