Since starting in 1997, the WNBA has been home to some of the best basketball players in the world. Every year, the league gives out its MVP (Most Valuable Player) award to honor one standout star. It’s a big deal and a symbol of pride.
The MVP award shows how much a player means to her team and to the game. From legends like Cynthia Cooper and Lisa Leslie to today’s stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, here’s a look at some of the WNBA’s top MVP winners over the years.
WNBA MVP Winners Throughout History
- 1997 – Cynthia Cooper (Houston Comets)
- 1998 – Cynthia Cooper (Houston Comets)
- 1999 – Yolanda Griffith (Sacramento Monarchs)
- 2000 – Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets)
- 2001 – Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2002 – Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets)
- 2003 – Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm)
- 2004 – Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2005 – Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets)
- 2006 – Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2007 – Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm)
- 2008 – Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2009 – Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)
- 2010 – Lauren Jackson (Seattle Storm)
- 2011 – Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever)
- 2012 – Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun)
- 2013 – Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2014 – Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx)
- 2015 – Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky)
- 2016 – Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 2017 – Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx)
- 2018 – Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm)
- 2019 – Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics)
- 2020 – A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2021 – Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Sun)
- 2022 – A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- 2023 – Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
- 2024 – A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
Repeat WNBA MVP Winners
Some WNBA greats have won the MVP more than once. They didn’t just shine one season—they kept showing up and making a huge impact year after year. Here are the stars with multiple MVP wins:
3-Time MVPs
- A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
Years: 2020, 2022, 2024 - Lauren Jackson – Seattle Storm
Years: 2003, 2007, 2010 - Lisa Leslie – Los Angeles Sparks
Years: 2001, 2004, 2006 - Sheryl Swoopes – Houston Comets
Years: 2000, 2002, 2005
A'ja Wilson officially accepts the 2024 KIA WNBA MVP award 🏆#KiaMVP | @Kia pic.twitter.com/tGqfOiQL0b
— WNBA (@WNBA)
2-Time MVPs
- Breanna Stewart – Seattle Storm / New York Liberty
Years: 2018, 2023 - Elena Delle Donne – Chicago Sky / Washington Mystics
Years: 2015, 2019 - Candace Parker – Los Angeles Sparks
Years: 2008, 2013 - Cynthia Cooper – Houston Comets
Years: 1997, 1998
WNBA MVP FAQs
Who Has Won the Most WNBA MVPs?
As of 2024, four players are tied with the most MVP awards—three each:
- A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces (2020, 2022, 2024)
- Lauren Jackson – Seattle Storm (2003, 2007, 2010)
- Lisa Leslie – Los Angeles Sparks (2001, 2004, 2006)
- Sheryl Swoopes – Houston Comets (2000, 2002, 2005)
MORE: How Much Do WNBA Players Get Paid
Wilson became the second unanimous MVP in league history in 2024, earning all 67 first-place votes.
How Is the WNBA MVP Picked?
A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters votes at the end of the regular season. They each rank their top five players. The voting works like this:
- 1st place = 10 points
- 2nd place = 7 points
- 3rd place = 5 points
- 4th place = 3 points
- 5th place = 1 point
Whoever has the most points wins. Voters consider stats, team success, and overall impact—but there’s no set formula.
Has There Ever Been a Tie for MVP?
No, there’s never been a tie for the WNBA MVP. It’s possible, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Has Any Player Won MVP in Back-to-Back Seasons?
Yes—only one. Cynthia Cooper won back-to-back MVPs in 1997 and 1998, the first two seasons of the league.
Has Caitlin Clark Ever Won MVP?
No, Caitlin Clark has never won MVP. She finished fourth in the voting during her rookie year.
