WNBA Championship: Ranking All-Time Winners

Ever since its establishment in 1997, the WNBA has developed into one of the world’s great professional sports leagues. There is hardly any country that can boast as much youthful talent as it does. In the years, several teams have dominated the league, bringing about a rich history in terms of championships. From the standpoint of a past champion, the accolades shall be lavished upon the winning teams and the legendary players who have always delivered.

It has flourished in terms of challenges and worldwide acknowledgment over the years. Its competitive landscape is bifurcated into two conferences namely the Eastern and Western conferences. These conferences comprise of 12 teams. These teams for the playoff spot battle against each other. The top eight teams secure the post-play-off position.

The competitive landscape of the WNBA’s key aspects include talent pool, parity and strong teams, global influence, and innovations in play style. The highest prize given to the team that wins the postseason is the WNBA championship. Several players and teams have left behind an imprint on the championship legacy. The WNBA leads to the overall growth of the sports. This league is the motivation for various young girls and women to follow their passion.

This article will outline the teams and players that have made the most significant impacts through WNBA championship wins. We will delve into how many championships the teams with the most titles won in this league. Furthermore, we will discuss players with the most titles won and franchises that have the best record in finals.

WNBA Championship: Teams and their Rivals

Of course, there have been many teams that were extremely recognized for winning championships throughout the history of the WNBA, yet a few of them have been exceptionally highlighted as the most successful. The winning of multiple championships means times of domination, and the number of victories a team has in crucial moments within the league would, therefore, genuinely depict its talent, strategy, and resilience.

This table depicts WNBA teams that have won the most championships and their eras.

Teams	Number of Championships	Championship Years
Houston Comets	4	1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Minnesota Lynx	4	2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
Seattle Storm	4	2004, 2010, 2018, 2020
Los Angeles Sparks	3	2001, 2002, 2016
Phoenix Mercury	3	2007, 2009, 2014
Detroit Shock (Now Dallas Wings)	3	2003, 2006, 2008

The Comets were the only team in the first four championships of WNBA history from 1997 through 2000 and were the first true powerhouse in the league. The legends on the line, including Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson, set a hallmark level of excellence in the young years of the league.

However, the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm have leveled the playing field with the Comets in recent years, as both teams have accumulated four titles each. The Lynx dominated much of the 2010s, winning four titles between 2011 and 2017, partly because of a devastating roster that came to include Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, with Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, won their fourth championship in 2020.

The Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury are among the biggest contributors to the league having won three championships apiece and enjoyed being a constant presence in the playoffs throughout their franchises.

Key Moments in WNBA history –

• Houston Comets’ Four-Peat (1997-2000)– This is considered to be one of the strongest feats in WNBA history; no one ever has four titles in a row, and the Comets were never out of Cynthia Cooper’s grasp during her four consecutive Finals MVPs.
• Minnesota Lynx’s 2010s Dominance: The teams that represent the Minnesota Lynx during the 2010s have been led by the greatest player Minnesota or perhaps even the WNBA has ever seen, Maya Moore.
• Seattle Storm’s Resurgence: After winning their first two championships in 2004 and 2010, the Storm returned to the top of the league with titles in 2018 and 2020, making them one of the most successful teams of the 21st century.

#10 Washington Mystics

Washington Mystics won their First WNBA Championship in 2019. It was against their rivals Connecticut Sun, they Beat Connecticut Sun by 3-2 in the 2019 Finals. They also reached the Finals in 2018. The Washington Mystics have established themselves as a competitive team in the WNBA, with a strong core of players and a experienced coaching staff.

#9. Indiana Fever

Indiana Fever comes on 9th Position in the Top 10 teams Rankings. They won their solitary WNBA Championship against Minnesota Lynx in 2012, Indiana Fever beat them by 3-1 in the Final. Tamika Catchings, a legendary player and current general manager, was named the WNBA Finals MVP that year.

#8. Sacramento Monarchs

Sacramento Monarchs played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2009 and won the Championship in 2005, defeating the Connecticut Sun by 3-1in the WNBA Finals. Yolanda Griffith was named the WNBA Finals MVP. The Sacramento Monarchs were a beloved part of the Sacramento sports scene, and their championship win in 2005 remains a highlight of the franchise’s history.

#7. Las Vegas Aces

The Aces have had some amazing seasons, including winning the 2022 WNBA Championship by defeating the Connecticut Sun in the finals. They also won the 2023 WNBA Championship by defeating New York Liberty, becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-2002. They also won the 2022 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.

#6. Detroit Shock

Detroit Shock played in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1998 to 2009. The Shock won three WNBA championships: 2003, 2006, and 2008. They made the playoffs seven times during their 12-year existence. The Detroit Shock was a pioneering team in the WNBA, helping to establish the league and pave the way for future generations of women’s basketball players.

#5. Phoenix Mercury

They’re a part of the Western Conference in the WNBA and have been competing since the league’s inaugural 1997 season. The team has a rich history, with three WNBA championships under their belt, won in 2007, 2009, and 2014. They’ve also had some notable players, including Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, and Penny Taylor.

#4. Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks won the competition 3 times. They won back to back seasons in 2001and 2002. They become champions for the third time in 2016 by defeating the Minnesota Lynx. The team is a member of the Western Conference and has undergone several ownership changes over the years.

#3. Seattle Storm

The team was founded in 2000 and has been home to many talented players, including Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Breanna Stewart, and Lauren Jackson. They’ve had their fair share of ups and downs over the years, but have consistently been a strong contender in the league. The team has a rich history, with four WNBA championships under their belt, won in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020.

#2. Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx were founded in 1999 and began play in the 2000 season. The Lynx are currently members of the WNBA’s Western Conference. They won the Championship four times in alternate years in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. The Lynx are one of the most successful team of the competition.

#1. Houston Comets

The Houston Comets won the inaugural season of the WNBA. The Comets were a dominant dynasty in the WNBA, won the championship for first 4 consecutive years in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. They defeat their rival New York Liberty 3 times in the Finals. The Comets folded after the 2007 season due to financial difficulties but they are considered as the most successful team of the competition.

Rank	Teams	Rival	Years
10	Washington Mystics	Connecticut Sun	2019
9	Indiana Fever	Minnesota Lynx	2012
8	Sacramento Monarchs	Connecticut Sun	2005
7	Las Vegas Aces	Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty	2022,2023
6	Detroit Shock	Los Angeles Sparks, Sacramento Monarchs, San Antonio Silver Stars	2003,2006,2008
5	Phoenix Mercury	Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky	2007, 2009, 2014
4	Los Angeles Sparks	Charlotte Sting, New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx	2001, 2002, 2016
3	Seattle Storm	Connecticut Sun, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, Las Vegas Aces	2004, 2010, 2018, 2020
2	Minnesota Lynx	Atlanta Dream, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever , Los Angeles Sparks	2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
1	Houston Comets	New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, New York Liberty	1997,1998,1999,2000

What is the WNBA Championship Ring?

The WNBA Championship ring is an award given to the players and staff of the team that wins the WNBA Finals. The ring is a symbol of excellence and achievement in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Here are some interesting facts about the WNBA Championship ring:

1. Design: The ring’s design varies from year to year, but it typically features the team’s logo, the WNBA logo, and the words “WNBA Champions” or “WNBA Finals Champions”.
2. Diamonds and Gemstones: The ring often includes diamonds and other precious gemstones, such as rubies or sapphires, to represent the team’s colors.
3. Personalization: Each ring is personalized with the player’s name, number, and position.
4. Manufacturer: The rings are typically designed and manufactured by companies like Tiffany & Co., Jostens, or Herff Jones.
5. Presentation: The rings are usually presented to the players and staff during a special ceremony, often at the team’s home arena.

List of all WNBA Championships

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Results
1997	Houston Comets	New York Liberty	1-0
1998	Houston Comets	Phoenix Mercury	2-1
1999	Houston Comets	New York Liberty	2-1
2000	Houston Comets	New York Liberty	2-0
2001	Los Angeles Sparks	Charlotte Sting	2-0
2002	Los Angeles Sparks	New York Liberty	2-0
2003	Detroit Shock	Los Angeles Sparks	2-1
2004	Seattle Storm	Connecticut Sun	2-1
2005	Sacramento Monarchs	Connecticut Sun	3-1
2006	Detroit Shock	Sacramento Monarchs	3-2
2007	Phoenix Mercury	Detroit Shock	3-2
2008	Detroit Shock	San Antonio Silver Stars	3-0
2009	Phoenix Mercury	Indiana Fever	3-2
2010	Seattle Storm	Atlanta Dream	3-0
2011	Minnesota Lynx	Atlanta Dream	3-0
2012	Indiana Fever	Minnesota Lynx	3-1
2013	Minnesota Lynx	Atlanta Dream	3-0
2014	Phoenix Mercury	Chicago Sky	3-0
2015	Minnesota Lynx	Indiana Fever	3-2
2016	Los Angeles Sparks	Minnesota Lynx	3-2
2017	Minnesota Lynx	Los Angeles Sparks	3-2
2018	Seattle Storm	Washington Mystics	3-0
2019	Washington Mystics	Connecticut Sun	3-2
2020	Seattle Storm	Las Vegas Aces	3-0
2021	Chicago Sky	Phoenix Mercury	3-1
2022	Las Vegas Aces	Connecticut Sun	3-1
2023	Las Vegas Aces	New York Libetry	3-1
2024	New York Liberty	Minnesota Lynx	3-2

Top 5 WNBA Championship Winners: Maya Moore, Sue Bird and More

When it comes to some players, they have left their indelible marks on the league, winning many championship titles. Their prowess at delivering under pressure, often at crunch time, has catapulted them to a legendary status in the game. Rebekkah Brunson of Minnesota Lynx was the person to lead her team to five championships in the league’s prime seasons with new talent coming in.

Although Rebekkah Brunson won the championship five times, she has won them for different teams. Rather impact-wise, Cynthia Cooper is arguably the greatest female basketball player in WNBA history and proved it by winning four championships with the Houston Comets. Cynthia Cooper was the perennial starring factor in the early years of success for the Comets and, in all four championships, Finals MVP.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Triple-Doubles Leaders of All-Time

Other notable players are Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, and Sue Bird, Seattle Storm, both of whom have four championship wins. Moore played all her games and indeed marked most of the Lynx’s achievements during the 2010s, while Bird was generally accepted as the best WNBA point guard ever, and she won her championships over a remarkable 16 years. Let’s take a look at these players individually.

#5. Sheryl Swoopes

Swoopes played for the Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock during her 12-year WNBA career. In 2000, Swoopes earned her inaugural WNBA MVP award as her team, the Comets, completed their streak of four consecutive championships. In 2002 and 2005, the Hall of Famer won two additional MVP awards before concluding her time in Houston in 2007. She also played for the Seattle Storm in 2008 and the Tulsa Shock in 2011.

#4. Sue Bird

Sue Bird is a 13-time All-Star and one of the most iconic players in the WNBA. Born on October 16, 1980, Bird played her entire WNBA career with the Seattle Storm, leading the team to four championships (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020). Bird is the sole WNBA player to achieve championships in three separate decades.The Seattle Storm selected Bird as the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft. She quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise, known for her exceptional passing ability, clutch shooting, and tireless work ethic. The Storm has retired her No. 10 jersey.

#3. Maya Moore

Maya Moore is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for her incredible athleticism, skill, and dedication to the sport. Her impressive career achievements, combined with her commitment to social justice and her faith, have made her a beloved and respected figure in the basketball world. Maya Moore, a six-time WNBA All-Star and the 2014 WNBA MVP, won all four of her championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) with the Lynx, earning a title in 2011 as the No. 1 draft pick.

#2. Cynthia Cooper

No one better exemplifies the legacy than Cynthia Cooper, whose name is synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball. She was indeed one of the original superstars in the league, setting a hallmark for greatness that will forever be etched in the hearts of enthusiasts of women’s basketball.

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What defined Cooper were her scoring, leading, and cool-headed performances on the hardwood. For one, she earned four league-awarded titles through the first four seasons of the league. On top of these, many more include her in numerous Finals MVP votes as a pioneer and one of the greatest women’s basketball players ever.

#1. Rebekkah Brunson

Rebekkah Brunson holds the record for the most WNBA championships, with five titles won in 2005, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. The defensive expert achieved her initial championship with the Sacramento Monarchs and later secured four more with the Minnesota Lynx. The player, who was an All-Star five times, later became a coach in Minnesota, where they retired her jersey number 32.

Also Read: List of Best WNBA Dunks in History

Rank	Player	Number of Championships	Team	Championship Years
5	Rebekkah Brunson	5	Sacramento Monarchs, Minnesota Lynx	2005, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
4	Cynthia Cooper	4	Houston Comets	1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
3	Maya Moore	4	Minnesota Lynx	2011, 2013, 2015, 2017
2	Sue Bird	4	Seattle Storm	2004, 2010, 2018, 2020
1	Sheryl Swoopes	4	Houston Comets	1997, 1998, 1999, 2000