Top 10 WNBA Leading Scorers of All Time
Point scoring in professional basketball is more than just an immaculate method of putting a ball through the hoop. It is sheer talent, persistence, commitment, and love for the sport. The current fans of the WNBA have had the privilege of witnessing some outright amazing scorers.
This article looks at the top ten leading scorers of the WNBA at all times. When you look at their incredible careers, these players didn’t just win games – they changed how people thought about basketball.
There have been many incredible performances in the recent season as well. As per Sporting News A’ja Wilson set a new WNBA record by averaging 26.9 points per game in the 2024 season, surpassing Diana Taurasi’s previous record of 25.3 points per game set in 2006. Names like Diana Taurasi, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jewell Loyd were among the top 10 WNBA leading scorers of 2024.
Also Read: Top 10 Greatest WNBA MVP Award Winners Of All Time
Ranking Top 10 WNBA Leading Scorers
Let’s dive into what made these scoring legends the all-time WNBA leading scorers.
10. Nneka Ogwumike
Nneka Ogwumike is 10th on the list of all-time WNBA Leading scorers, with a staggering 6,502 points in just 393 games. Her career is marked by exceptional athletic achievements. She has represented the United States in transnational competitions, including the FIBA Americas Championship, where she led the team in scoring and rebounding. In February 2024, Ogwumike signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm, marking her first season outside Los Angeles.
Position | Forward |
Draft Info | 2012, Round 1, Pick 1 by Los Angeles Sparks |
Height | 1.88 m |
Age | 34 years |
She’s also committed to ensuring social justice and advocacy for all women athletes. She’s presently collaborating with Adidas on initiatives to support young women in sports. She makes good use of her influence to ensure opportunities for the upcoming women athletes.
In August 2024, she took over leadership of a non-profit voting rights organization called More Than a Vote. This organization was founded by LeBron James and has committed to focusing on women’s reproductive rights for the 2024 election cycle.
9. Candace Parker
Charting Number 9th on the list is Candace Parker who is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Candace has 6574 points in 410 games. Parker led the Lady Volunteers to consecutive NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008 at the University of Tennessee.
She was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player both years and was a two-time consensus national player of the year. Parker won the 2021 WNBA championship with the Chicago Sky and won another title with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 while she was injured.
Position | Forward-Center |
Draft Info | 2008, Round 1, Pick 1 by Los Angeles Sparks |
Height | 1.93 m |
Age | 38 years |
Beyond her on-court success, Parker had an undeniable presence off the court, too. She has 1.1 million followers on Instagram and brand partners like Adidas, Gatorade, and CarMax. She became the first female commentator for the NBA All-Star Game. Parker also set a standard by dominating the NCAA Tournament coverage.
8. Sue Bird
The WNBA player Sue Bird has managed a huge 6,803 points throughout her extensive career.
According to Just Women’s Sports Sue Bird holds the record for the most career wins in the WNBA, with 336 victories. Her most recent WNBA title came in 2020 when the Seattle Storm beat the Las Vegas Aces. Seattle Storms went on to win four WNBA championships under her leadership, which is a prime example of her leadership skills.
Position | Point Guard |
Draft Info | 2002, Pick 1 by Seattle Storm |
Height | 1.75 m |
Age | 44 years |
Sue launched TOGETHXR, a multimedia and commerce company, with Olympians Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, and Simone Manuel. In addition to TOGETHXR, Sue Bird and her fiancée, Megan Rapinoe, launched a production company named A Touch More. This venture centers on stories of revolutionaries who move forward with modern ideas which highlights Bird’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and narratives. Through these initiatives, Sue Bird aims to create platforms that promote equality, representation, and empowerment for women in sports and beyond.
Also Read: Sue Bird Net Worth, Salary, Age, Family, WNBA Stats And …
7. Cappie Pondexter
Cappie Pondexter is a two-time WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, and has a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. These are just a few of the many accolades she earned on the court. She was known to perform in clutch moments and devise her shots. Pondexter scored 6,811 points during her illustrious career.
Position | Point Guard |
Draft Info | 2006, Pick 2 by Phoenix Mercury |
Height | 1.75 m |
Age | 42 years |
Cappie was endorsed by major brands like Nike during her career, reflecting her elite status in the basketball world. She uses social media and public appearances to amplify conversations about social change. All these things make her a prominent voice for athletes who aim to engage in activism.
6. Candice Dupree
Candice Dupree was born on August 16, 1984, and has made significant contributions throughout her career. During her playing days, she represented several teams like the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Seattle Storm. According to Temple, Her career averages include 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Position | Forward |
Draft Info | 2006, Round1, Pick 6 by Chicago Sky |
Height | 1.88 m |
Age | 40 years |
She is very expressive and vocal about the coverage and representation of women athletes. Candice has also been part of various youth development programs that aim to support initiatives that provide educational and athletic opportunities to underprivileged youth. A prime example of this is the Team Dupree AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball team she started to provide youth with the chance to excel in basketball.
5. Tamika Catchings
Throughout her 16-season career with the Indiana Fever, Catchings has led the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals in each of her first six active pro seasons. She has a massive total of 6,895 points during her tenure of 494 games. Tamika had exceptional defensive skills which were showcased by her 7-time league-leading steals. She had an impact on both sides of the court which made her a key playmaker in all the matches.
Position | Forward |
Draft Info | 2001, Round1, Pick 3 by Indiana Fever |
Height | 1.85 m |
Age | 42 years |
Catchings has been actively involved in NBA Cares, the NBA’s social responsibility program, which focuses on community outreach and youth development. Through this partnership, she has contributed to various social initiatives that are aimed at improving the lives of young people across the U.S.
4. DeWanna Bonner
DeWanna Bonner has been a six-time All-Star and a two-time WNBA champion during her WNBA career. Notably, she has been named the Sixth Woman of the Year three times and has earned multiple All-WNBA First and Second Team honors.
Position | Guard |
Draft Info | 2009, Pick 5 by Pheonix Mercury |
Height | 1.93 m |
Age | 37 years |
She took part in various community outreach programs while using her platform to inspire young athletes and advocate for women in sports. This commitment to giving back further enhances her legacy. It makes her more than just a phenomenal basketball player but also a role model for many.
3. Tina Thompson
Tina Thompson is a distinguished figure in basketball and has made significant contributions to the sport. She has had 4 WNBA titles with the Houston Comets. Thompson was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 which further solidifies her legacy. Throughout her outstanding career, she has scored 7,488 points.
Position | Forward |
Draft Info | 1997, Round1 Pick 1 by Houston Comets |
Height | 1.88 m |
Age | 49 years |
Thompson participated in league-wide promotional campaigns for the WNBA, including initiatives to grow the league’s visibility and promote basketball among women and young athletes.
2. Tina Charles
In 2024, Charles became the WNBA’s all-time leader in both rebounds and double-doubles, which speaks volumes about her legacy in the sport. In addition to that she is a 3 times Olympic gold medalist. Her career has solidified her as one of the greatest to play the sport, and her legacy continues to grow.
Position | Center |
Draft Info | 2010, Pick 1 by Connecticut Sun |
Height | 1.93 m |
Age | 36 years |
Tina has been very vocal about the importance of mental health and the need for athletes to consider their mental well-being as well. She has spoken publicly about the mental health struggles that athletes face. In particular the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. She encourages open conversations about mental health to promote self-care.
1. Diana Taurasi
Charting number one on the List is Diana Taurasi with a staggering 10,646 points in just 565 games. Even aside from statistics, there is insight into the power of Taurasi to win tense situations, inspire teammates, and enthrall fans.
Also, She represented her country at every international competition. Diana has five Olympic gold medals which is a great record cementing her international supremacy.
Position | Guard |
Draft Info | 2004, Pick 1 by Pheonix Mercury |
Height | 1.83 m |
Age | 42 years |
Taurasi has made herself such a wanted product for endorsements in her court skills. All of the endorsements that she garners are nothing compared to the reputation that she is building as a commercial athlete with the big brands in the sports and lifestyle spectrum. Her major endorsements are from Nike, Body Armor, and Beats by Dre.
Also Read: Diana Taurasi Net Worth, Salary, Family, WNBA Stats And …
List of WNBA leading scorers
Below is a comprehensive list of all the WNBA leading scorers with their respective career stats.
Ranking | Player Name | Teams | Current Status | Games played | Points Scored |
1. | Diana Taurasi | Pheonix Mercury(2004-present) | Still Playing | 565 | 10,646 |
2. | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun (2010-2013), New York Liberty (2014-2019), Washington Mystics (2021), Phoenix Mercury (2022), Seattle Storm (2022), AtlantaDream(2024-present) | Still Playing | 430 | 7,696 |
3. | Tina Thompson | Houston Comets(1997-2008), Los Angeles Sparks (2009-2011), Seattle Storm(2012-2013) | Retired | 496 | 7,488 |
4. | DeWanna Bonner | Houston Comets(1997-2008), Los Angeles Sparks (2009-2011), Seattle Storm(2012-2013) | Still Playing | 502 | 7,482 |
5. | Tamika Catchings | Indiana Fever(2002-2016) | Retired | 457 | 7,380 |
6. | Candice Dupree | Chicago Sky(2006-2009),Phoenix Mercury(2010-2016),Indiana Fever(2017-2020) | Retired | 494 | 6,895 |
7. | Cappie Pondexter | Phoenix Mercury(2006-2009),New York Liberty(2010-2014),Chicago Sky(2015-2017),Los Angeles Sparks(2018),Indiana Fever(2018) | Retired | 416 | 6,811 |
8. | Sue Bird | Seattle Storm(2002-2022) | Retired | 580 | 6,803 |
9. | Candace Parker | Los Angeles Sparks(2008-2020),Chicago Sky(2021-2022),Las Vegas Aces(2023), | Retired | 410 | 6,574 |
10. | Nneka Ogwumike | Los Angeles Sparks(2012-2023),Seattle Storm(2024-present) | Still Playing | 393 | 6,502 |
Also Read: Best WNBA Players Of All Time: Female Basketball Legends
Who is the highest point scorer in the WNBA?
Diana Taurasi is the all-time leading points scorer in WNBA history with 10,646 points
What WNBA player has the most MVPs?
Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Lauren Jackson, and A’ja Wilson have won the WNBA MVP title the most times with 3 selections each.
Which WNBA player has the most double-doubles?
Sylvia Fowles has the most double-doubles in WNBA history with 193.
Which team has the most titles in WNBA history?
The Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx, and Seattle Storm have won the most championships with four titles each.
Who has the highest single-season scoring average in WNBA history?
Cynthia Cooper holds the record for the highest single-season scoring average, with 25.3 points per game during the league’s inaugural season in 1997.
Which active WNBA player is closest to breaking into the top 5 all-time scoring leaders?
Players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are among the top active scorers and are steadily climbing the all-time list, posing a potential threat to the top 5 in the coming years.