The last decade of No. 1 overall picks reads like a roadmap of how the WNBA has evolved from dominant interior forces to pace-setting guards and versatile wings who redefine what winning looks like. These are the top selections from 2016 through 2025, and the impact each has made (or is already starting to make) on the league.
Breanna Stewart — 2016, Seattle Storm
Aug 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) drives to the basket in the fourth quarter against the Washington Mystics at Barclays Center. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Stewart entered the league as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history, a four-time champion with multiple Player of the Year honors. She delivered immediately with 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on her way to Rookie of the Year. Her career since has included MVPs, championships, and a place among the league’s all-time greats.
Kelsey Plum — 2017, San Antonio Stars
Sep 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Plum arrived as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and a dynamic high-volume guard. Her 8.5-point, 3.4-assist rookie season set the stage for a later breakout in Las Vegas. She evolved into a Sixth Woman of the Year, All-Star, and champion with the Aces.
A’ja Wilson — 2018, Las Vegas Aces
May 28, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) competes during the first quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob Ultra Arena. Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson was the obvious No. 1 choice as a national champion and three-time SEC Player of the Year with pro-ready power and touch. She averaged 20.7 points and 8.0 boards as a rookie, winning Rookie of the Year. She’s since become an MVP, champion, and the foundation of the Aces’ modern dynasty.
Jackie Young — 2019, Las Vegas Aces
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) controls the ball against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Young came in as an efficient, physical guard fresh off Notre Dame’s national title run. She posted 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists as a rookie while adjusting to the pro game. Her steady development made her one of the league’s best two-way guards and a championship-level starter.
Sabrina Ionescu — 2020, New York Liberty
Sep 11, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) looks to shoot against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Ionescu’s resume as an NCAA triple-double queen and two-time Wooden Award winner made her the clear top pick. An early injury shortened her rookie season, but her playmaking and versatility still flashed star traits. She has since grown into the engine of New York’s resurgence and one of the league’s signature players.
Charli Collier — 2021, Dallas Wings
May 27, 2021; College Park, Georgia, USA; Dallas Wings forward/center Charli Collier (35) catches a pass under the basket against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Collier entered the draft as the NCAA’s leading rebounder and a traditional interior force with long-term upside. Her rookie season produced 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds, primarily in a defensive role. She remains a developing piece in Dallas’ frontcourt.
Rhyne Howard — 2022, Atlanta Dream
Sep 3, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) dribbles against the Los Angeles Sparks in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Howard’s combination of size, scoring range, and two-time SEC Player of the Year pedigree made her a franchise-level pick. She delivered immediately with 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on her way to Rookie of the Year. She’s now the centerpiece of Atlanta’s rebuild and one of the league’s brightest young scorers.
Aliyah Boston — 2023, Indiana Fever
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Boston arrived as a national champion, Naismith winner, and the most polished defensive big in her class. She averaged 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks to win Rookie of the Year and earn an All-Star nod. Her presence gave the Fever their first true anchor in years.
Caitlin Clark — 2024, Indiana Fever
Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) possesses the ball during the first half against the Connecticut Sun during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Clark entered as the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader and one of the most impactful offensive prospects ever drafted. She averaged roughly 21.2 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while becoming an immediate franchise centerpiece. Her arrival drove record attendance, television numbers, and national visibility for the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers — 2025, Dallas Wings
Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates after the game against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Bueckers came in as a national champion, AP Player of the Year, and one of the most skilled guards UConn has produced. In her rookie year, during which she averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals on 47.7% shooting, she earned Rookie of the Year honors and a spot as an All-Star. She also tied the WNBA rookie scoring record with 44 points in a single game.
Looking Ahead
The story these picks tell is unmistakable: the WNBA’s top talent pool has never been stronger. From established MVPs to the next wave of stars just beginning to leave their mark, the No. 1 pick has become a yearly inflection point; a snapshot of where the league is headed and who’s about to take it there.