As the WNBA celebrates its 25th season, the league today announced "The W25" — the 25 greatest and most influential players in league history.
“Throughout this season, the WNBA and our fans are celebrating the impact the WNBA has made on sports and society over a quarter of a century. I can think of no better way to honor those responsible for that impact than by unveiling the members of this prestigious group, The W25," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
"These athletes have played the game at the highest level on the court – they are scorers and rebounders, assist makers and defensive stoppers, leaders and mentors. In the community, they have powerful voices, individually and collectively, speaking out on important issues in our society. Together, they have transformed the way the game is played, changed the way athletes are viewed, become incredible role models, and inspired generations of young, diverse athletes.”
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"The W25” includes 10 current players — Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi.
"The W25" was selected from a list of 72 nominees from a panel of media members and women’s basketball pioneers and advocates.
🥁 IT’S OFFICIAL 🥁
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 5, 2021
Here are your #WNBA 25 greatest players of all time!#CountIt pic.twitter.com/kf1GGUfXMS
The nominees were required to have played at least two seasons and met four of the following seven criteria — won a major individual award; selected to either the All-WNBA First Team or All-WNBA Second Team; selected to either the WNBA All-Defensive First Team or WNBA All-Defensive Second Team; selected to the WNBA All-Star Game; a member of a WNBA Championship team; currently ranked among the top 40 career leaders in at least one major statistical category; and/or a recipient of the WNBA’s season-long Community Assist Award.
"The W25"
Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Tina Charles, Cynthia Cooper, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Yolanda Griffith, Brittney Griner, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Angel McCoughtry Maya Moore, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Tichia Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Smith, Breanna Stewart, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi, Tina Thompson, Lindsay Whalen.
Vote for the GOAT
With the Top 25 players named, fans will be able to vote on which member of "The W25" they believe to be the greatest of all time through the “Vote for the GOAT” program.
From today fans can cast their vote using the #WNBAGoatVote on Twitter, on WNBA.com or on the WNBA App. Fan voting will conclude at 1:59 p.m. AEDT on Monday, September 20 Sunday, Sept. 19. The GOAT will be unveiled during the WNBA Finals 2021.
