ESPN published a ranking of the 10 [1] best playmakers in WNBA history to mark the league's 30th anniversary [2].
The list serves as a historical benchmark for the league's evolution. By highlighting the greatest passers and assist makers, the ranking connects the contributions of founding legends with the impact of current stars during this milestone season [2].
Among the recognized athletes are legendary figures such as Sue Bird, whose career defined the playmaker role in the WNBA [1]. The selection process focused on identifying the most effective guards and floor generals who shaped the game over three decades.
However, the rankings have sparked debate regarding the placement of newer stars. Some reports said that Caitlin Clark did not make the top three on the list [3]. Other accounts said she was omitted from the ranking entirely [4], while Angel Reese also faced a similar exclusion [4].
The discrepancy in reporting highlights the tension between career longevity and immediate impact. While the 30th anniversary celebrates the enduring legacy of the league, the omission of recent high-profile players from the top tiers of the list has drawn significant attention from sports media outlets [3], [4].
The WNBA continues its 2026 season celebrations, using these historical retrospectives to frame the current era of women's professional basketball [2].
“ESPN published a ranking of the 10 best playmakers in WNBA history”
This ranking underscores a recurring conflict in sports history: the valuation of lifetime achievement versus peak current performance. By omitting or lowering the rank of recent stars like Caitlin Clark during a 30th-anniversary celebration, the league and its media partners are balancing the prestige of the 'old guard' against the explosive growth and popularity brought by the new generation of athletes.
