All WNBA dynasties, MVPs, and highlight reels must begin somewhere. Well, for several of the league’s brightest stars, that process started with hearing their name called first on draft night.
From trailblazers such as Tina Thompson to transcendent shooters like Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick has frequently translated to instant impact and eventual success.
No. 1 Picks Throughout Years of WNBA History
2020s
- 2025 | Paige Bueckers | Dallas Wings
- 2024 | Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever
- 2023 | Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever
- 2022 | Rhyne Howard | Atlanta Dream
- 2021 | Charli Collier | Dallas Wings
- 2020 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty
2010s
- 2019 | Jackie Young | Las Vegas Aces
- 2018 | A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces
- 2017 | Kelsey Plum | San Antonio Stars
- 2016 | Breanna Stewart | Seattle Storm
- 2015 | Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm
- 2014 | Chiney Ogwumike | Connecticut Sun
- 2013 | Brittney Griner | Phoenix Mercury
- 2012 | Nneka Ogwumike | Los Angeles Sparks
- 2011 | Maya Moore | Minnesota Lynx
- 2010 | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun
2000s
- 2009 | Angel McCoughtry | Atlanta Dream
- 2008 | Candace Parker | Los Angeles Sparks
- 2007 | Lindsey Harding | Phoenix Mercury
- 2006 | Seimone Augustus | Minnesota Lynx
- 2005 | Janel McCarville | Charlotte Sting
- 2004 | Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury
The Legacy of the No. 1 Picks
The WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick has become synonymous with stardom. The legends went from Diana Taurasi and Tina Thompson to fresh stars such as Aliyah Boston and Sabrina Ionescu.
The first overall pick has transformed from an aspirational aspiration to a forecasted template for greatness.
It may be the scoring prowess of Caitlin Clark or the low-post dominance of Brittney Griner. Well, each No. 1 pick has etched out their niche within the league and taken the game to new depths.
KEEP READING: How Much Do WNBA Draft Picks Make?
Forward, as fresh talents such as Caitlin Clark emerge, the world will be eager to observe how this culture of greatness will continue to be perpetuated.
The No. 1 draft pick will forever serve as a reminder of the league’s storied past and the bright future of women’s basketball.
The legacy of these women will motivate generations to come to set foot on the court and make their own impression on the game.
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