1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: A’ja Wilson has been a dominant force in the WNBA since entering the league in 2018. A two-time WNBA MVP (2020 and 2022), Wilson has led the Las Vegas Aces to a championship in 2022. Her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities have made her one of the most complete players in the league. Her ability to stretch the floor, combined with her defensive prowess, makes her a nightmare for opponents. As a foundational player for the Aces, her absence from Unrivaled would be notable.
- Impact: Wilson is known for her ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Her versatility and leadership make her an irreplaceable piece for the Aces. A cornerstone of women’s basketball, Wilson’s name resonates beyond the WNBA, and her absence from Unrivaled would leave a void in terms of overall star power.
2. Caitlin Clark (Iowa, Drafted by WNBA 2024)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: One of the most electrifying players in college basketball, Caitlin Clark is a sharpshooter and floor general. Her game-breaking three-point shooting and high basketball IQ have garnered her comparisons to some of the NBA’s greats. As a potential first-overall pick in the WNBA draft, her skills are expected to translate into the league seamlessly. The prospect of Caitlin Clark joining the WNBA in 2024 is a massive boost for the league.
- Impact: Clark’s absence from Unrivaled (if she doesn’t participate) would be a significant loss for the event, as her transcendent ability to score and create highlights would elevate any competition she enters. Her influence on the women’s game, especially in college, makes her one of the most exciting young talents in the sport today.
3. Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: A two-time WNBA champion (2018, 2021) and two-time WNBA Finals MVP, Stewart has proven herself as one of the league’s elite players. She was also a three-time WNBA MVP candidate, showcasing her prowess on both ends of the court. Stewart’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking is unmatched, and her consistency as a superstar makes her one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
- Impact: Stewart’s absence from Unrivaled would be a massive blow, as her leadership, experience, and talent are invaluable. With her ability to dominate in virtually every aspect of the game, she is essential to the New York Liberty’s championship aspirations.
4. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: Known for her exceptional basketball IQ and ability to distribute the ball, Ionescu is one of the league’s premier playmakers. Her all-around game, including her ability to score from deep and facilitate for teammates, has made her a dual-threat. A consistent triple-double threat, Ionescu brings a level of excitement to the court that few others can replicate.
- Impact: The New York Liberty’s success often hinges on Ionescu’s ability to orchestrate their offense. Her absence from Unrivaled would deprive the event of one of its brightest young stars, as her passing ability and leadership are unmatched in the league.
5. Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: As the 2016 WNBA MVP and a five-time All-Star, Nneka Ogwumike has been a consistent force for the Los Angeles Sparks. Her basketball IQ, rebounding, and scoring make her one of the league’s most efficient players. Ogwumike’s leadership and experience are invaluable assets to her team, and she continues to be one of the most well-rounded forwards in the league.
- Impact: Ogwumike’s absence from Unrivaled would take away a key veteran presence in women’s basketball. Her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways would be sorely missed, particularly for those watching for a player who can do everything on the floor.
6. Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: Jones is a former WNBA MVP (2021) who provides the Liberty with size, versatility, and rebounding prowess. Known for her ability to score in the post and stretch the floor with her three-point shooting, Jones is one of the league’s most skilled bigs. Her championship pedigree and leadership in critical moments are valuable.
- Impact: A player like Jonquel Jones brings a physical and mental toughness to any event. If she were absent from Unrivaled, the event would miss her rebounding and rim protection, along with her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
7. Skylar Diggins-Smith (Phoenix Mercury)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: A two-time WNBA All-Star and a gold medalist with Team USA, Skylar Diggins-Smith has long been one of the league’s best scoring guards. Her ability to get to the basket, combined with her leadership and clutch performances, make her an enduring star. Diggins-Smith’s fast pace and skillful ball handling have earned her a reputation as one of the league’s premier offensive players.
- Impact: Her absence from Unrivaled would deprive the event of one of the top guards in the league. Diggins-Smith’s ability to create offense both for herself and others makes her a standout player who can change the tempo of any game.
8. Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: Ogunbowale is one of the league’s premier scorers. As a two-time All-Star and a proven clutch performer, she has earned her place as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Her scoring ability, especially in late-game situations, is unmatched, making her one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the WNBA.
- Impact: Ogunbowale’s absence from Unrivaled would leave a void in terms of explosive scoring and leadership on the floor. Her ability to carry her team in key moments makes her an indispensable player in any competition.
9. Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: One of the best point guards in the league, Chelsea Gray has been a vital part of the Las Vegas Aces’ success. She was instrumental in their 2022 championship run and has earned multiple All-Star selections. Known for her poise and ability to orchestrate the offense, Gray is a clutch performer who can take over games when needed.
- Impact: As one of the WNBA’s top facilitators, Gray’s absence from Unrivaled would deprive the event of a true floor general. Her leadership and ability to make her teammates better is a critical element of her game.
10. Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)
- Position: Guard
- Achievements: One of the greatest players in WNBA history, Taurasi’s legendary career includes three championships, multiple MVP awards, and numerous All-Star appearances. Known for her scoring ability, toughness, and leadership, Taurasi remains a key figure in women’s basketball despite her age.
- Impact: While she may be nearing the end of her career, Taurasi’s absence from Unrivaled would still leave a significant hole, given her legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
11. Alanna Smith (Phoenix Mercury)
- Position: Forward
- Achievements: Known for her versatility and skill, Smith brings a balanced game to the forward position. While not as high-profile as some others on this list, Smith has developed into a reliable contributor for the Mercury, capable of stretching the floor with her shooting and providing solid defense.
- Impact: Smith’s absence would be felt in terms of depth, as her ability to impact both ends of the floor is valuable for Phoenix. While not a household name, her presence would add balance to any competition she participated in.
12. Tina Charles (Free Agent)
- Position: Center
- Achievements: A two-time WNBA scoring champion and a former MVP, Tina Charles has been one of the league’s most dominant centers over the years. She provides scoring and rebounding in the post and remains one of the league’s most consistent players.
- Impact: Charles has been a force in the WNBA for over a decade. While she may be a free agent at the moment, her absence from Unrivaled would take away an established player with a long history of dominance in the paint.
