Basketball meets badass in this collection of the WNBA’s most attractive athletes who also happen to pack serious heat in the fighting department. Whether they earned their stripes through formal martial arts training or proved their mettle in on-court brawls, these players combine beauty with the kind of toughness that makes you want them on your side when things get real.
Hottest WNBA Players Who Could Help You in a Fight
Sophie Cunningham: The Taekwondo Terror
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever doesn’t mess around. The blonde bomber earned her black belt in taekwondo at age six, making her the most qualified fighter on this list. When teammates need protection, Cunningham transforms from gorgeous guard to martial arts enforcer faster than you can say “bear hug takedown”. Her recent defense of Caitlin Clark against the Connecticut Sun proved she’s not just pretty – she’s dangerous. At 28, the Missouri native combines striking good looks with legitimate fighting skills that would make any opponent think twice about starting trouble.
Brittney Griner: The Physical Phenomenon
Standing 6’9″ with an 87.5-inch wingspan, Brittney Griner is a walking intimidation factor. The three-time Olympic gold medalist has been involved in more WNBA fights than any current player, most notably her 2019 brawl with Dallas Wings players that resulted in a three-game suspension. Griner threw punches and chased opponents down the court before being restrained at midcourt. Her sheer size and proven willingness to throw hands make her the ultimate deterrent. Plus, at 33, she’s still got that new-mom glow after welcoming baby Bash with wife Cherelle.
Diana Taurasi: The Veteran Scrapper
The all-time WNBA scoring leader knows how to handle herself in heated situations. Diana Taurasi has accumulated multiple fines and suspensions for physical altercations, including pushing referees and breaking locker room doors after losses. The 42-year-old Phoenix Mercury legend combines old-school toughness with Italian-American fire. Her philosophy is simple: protect teammates at all costs. Taurasi once said she’d “do that 100 times out of 100 times” when defending teammates. Her competitive intensity earned comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
A’ja Wilson: The Championship Enforcer
The three-time MVP doesn’t back down from anyone. Wilson’s recent shove of Minnesota’s Kayla McBride sent the All-Star crashing to the floor during a frustrating season. The 6’4″ Las Vegas Aces center has dealt with dirty plays throughout her career, including taking elbows to the face that left her bloodied. Wilson maintains she’s “not here to hurt anyone” but proves time and again she won’t be intimidated. At 27, the South Carolina product combines runway-model looks with championship-level intensity.
Candace Parker: The Pioneering Powerhouse
Recently retired but still gorgeous at 38, Candace Parker made history as the first woman to win the McDonald’s All-American slam dunk contest in 2004. The three-time WNBA champion was involved in the infamous 2008 Sparks-Shock brawl that started when Detroit’s Plenette Pierson knocked her down. Parker pulled Pierson to the floor and tried throwing punches before being tackled. Her combination of 6’4″ athleticism and competitive fire made her one of the most feared competitors in league history. People magazine named her one of the “100 Most Beautiful” in 2007.
Napheesa Collier: The Silent Assassin
Currently the league’s top player, Napheesa Collier brings quiet intensity to Minnesota. The 6’1″ forward leads the WNBA in scoring while maintaining an intimidating defensive presence. Collier’s 3.2 combined steals and blocks per game prove she’s not afraid of contact. At 27, the former UConn star combines model-good-looks with MVP-level talent. Her calm demeanor masks a competitive fire that helped lead the Lynx to the WNBA Finals.
Kelsey Plum: The Spark Plug
The Las Vegas Aces guard brings energy and attitude to every game. Plum’s 5’8″ frame packs serious heat, as evidenced by her role in multiple Aces altercations. The former Washington Husky combines blonde bombshell looks with the toughness needed to win back-to-back championships. At 29, Plum has perfected the art of looking gorgeous while playing physical basketball.
Te’a Cooper: The Instagram Fighter
The former Lakers wife and social media sensation has 1.4 million Instagram followers who know she’s not just a pretty face. Cooper’s 5’8″ frame belies her competitive intensity, honed through years of elite basketball. The former Dwight Howard fiancée combines striking beauty with the kind of toughness needed to survive professional sports. At 27, she’s currently a free agent but remains one of the most attractive former players.
Cameron Brink: The Rising Star
The Los Angeles Sparks rookie brings 6’4″ of athletic beauty to the WNBA. Brink’s Stanford background means she’s got the intelligence and toughness to handle any situation. Reddit users consistently rank her among the prettiest players in the league, with “model/actress level” beauty. At just 22, she’s already showing the kind of intensity needed to succeed at the professional level.
These players prove that beauty and brains aren’t enough – sometimes you need a little bite to go with your bark. Whether through formal martial arts training or proven on-court toughness, these WNBA stars would make formidable allies in any confrontation.