The WNBA has witnessed incredible scoring feats since its inception in 1997, with legends and active stars climbing the all-time leaderboard. From the unprecedented dominance of Diana Taurasi to the rising talents still adding to their totals, these ten players have defined scoring excellence. Who will ultimately catch the remarkable career marks set by these trailblazers?
Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is alone in sitting as the first and only player to surpass the 10,000-point mark, which she did in her jaw-dropping 20-year career. The combination of her scoring prowess and her competitive madness put her in a class by herself as the all-time leading scorer in the league.
Taurasi’s career has also been characterized by consistency—in her 565 game appearances, she’s averaged 18.8 points per game—or clutch performances that resulted in three WNBA champion titles for her teams.
Her influence has been felt in the United States and across the globe, something no player in history has done: six Olympic gold medals and the opportunity to be a hero to young athletes everywhere.
Tina Charles
Tina Charles stands in second for most career points with 7,696 points, having been a force in the post for 13 dominant years since emerging in the league in 2010. Known for her versatility and brute strength, she is always near the top in two categories, scoring and rebounding.
In 2012, she was the WNBA MVP, making her impact on both sides of the ball very clear. Since she is still an active player, that means her total can continue to grow. Thus, her career isn’t over yet.
Tina Thompson
As the first-ever WNBA draft pick, Tina Thompson amassed 7,488 points over a 17-year career, setting the standard for forwards in the league’s early years. Her smooth scoring touch and basketball IQ made her a perennial All-Star.
Thompson helped lead the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships (1997–2000), and her legacy was cemented with a Hall of Fame induction. Her role as a pioneer paved the way for future generations of WNBA stars.
DeWanna Bonner
Active and still climbing, DeWanna Bonner has scored 7,482 points, showcasing her longevity and adaptability. A multi-time All-Star, she has evolved her game from slasher to sharpshooter, thriving with her trademark mid-range jumper.
Bonner’s leadership extends off the court as well, where she has taken on mentoring roles. Her dedication to community initiatives and her ever-improving skill set keep her among the league’s top talents.
Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings, with 7,380 points, brought a unique blend of defense and offense to the Indiana Fever. A 10-time All-Star and 2009 MVP, she was as feared for her tenacity on defense as she was respected for her scoring.
Catchings’ impact transcended statistics; her work ethic and passion helped establish the Fever as perennial contenders. Her Hall of Fame career remains a benchmark for two-way excellence in the WNBA.
Candice Dupree
Throughout her more than decade-long professional career, Dupree spent most of her time in the paint, scoring 6,895 points. She established herself as a dependable player who scores while also pulling down significant rebounds throughout her entire career.
Dupree established herself as a late-game strategy for her teams because of her professionalism combined with her skill set, while her experience continues to benefit her team through and off the court.
Cappie Pondexter
With 6,811 points, Cappie Pondexter’s clutch gene was on full display throughout her career. A two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, her fearless scoring under pressure set her apart.
Pondexter’s agility and mid-range mastery allowed her to excel in playoff atmospheres. Her highlight-reel plays remain etched in WNBA history as some of the most thrilling moments ever.
Sue Bird
Sue Bird, at 6,803 points, combined longevity with elite playmaking to become one of the greatest guards ever. Her court vision and scoring off the dribble made her a dual threat for 19 seasons.
Bird’s four championships and 13 All-Star nods speak to her leadership. Even as the consummate facilitator, she could take over games with timely scoring bursts.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker, with 6,574 points, redefined the forward position with her athleticism and versatility. The 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2013 MVP won 3 titles and became a cultural icon for her dynamic play.
Parker’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways—scoring, rebounding, and passing—continues to influence the league. Her media presence and advocacy also advance the sport’s profile globally.
Nneka Ogwumike
She has scored 6,502 career points and was named the 2016 WNBA MVP, the same year she hit the game-winning shot in Game 5 to secure the Los Angeles Sparks’ championship title.
Through her activism after games, Ogwumike devotes her time to promoting wellness for athletes while championing social justice causes. Through both her words and her athletic performance, she has established herself as a contemporary WNBA spokesperson.
Taurasi’s 10,646-point legend surpasses a legacy that Tina Charles and DeWanna Bonner are building while maintaining their active careers as WNBA scorers. Future generations will continue to be inspired by these ten players, while their achievements may eventually meet or exceed standards in the future.
