All-Time WNBA MVPs: Every Winner From 1997 to Today

A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) is the first and only four-time MVP in WNBA history. How many more can she win in her professional career? Photo by Amanda J. Cain/Black Rosie Media

When deciding the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.) for a league, individual awards are often taken into account. As the WNBA 30 commercial featuring three-time MVP Sheryl Swoopes says, the greatest of all time includes the future. There is no better way to future-proof one's legacy than to rank among the best in one's field, especially if one can do so repeatedly.

By this measure alone, the WNBA G.O.A.T is active player and four-time MVP, A'ja Wilson.

It's hard to argue against that. And, to state the obvious, A'ja ain't done yet! Although we can't officially call the 2026 MVP, here's a list of all previous WNBA Most Valuable Player winners. From the first-ever MVP, Cynthia Cooper, to the most recent, Wilson, here is the complete list of league MVPs and FAQ's about the award history and voting process.

We hope you enjoy this snapshot of WNBA MVP history.

WNBA MVP History

League MVPs Sylvia Fowles and A’ja Wilson battle it out. Photo Credit: Las Vegas Aces

The WNBA Most Valuable Player Award has been handed out every year since the league tipped off in 1997.

Voted on by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, including Black Rosie Media founder Erica L. Ayala, it's the highest individual honor a player can earn during the regular season — and over 29 seasons, only 16 different players have ever claimed it.

As the WNBA is a quarter of the way through its historic 30th season, we break down every MVP, every season, and what made each winner unforgettable.

We hope you enjoy this breakdown of all 16 winners and FAQ's as part of our WNBA 30 series.

WNBA MVP list

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about the WNBA Most Valuable Player award.

Have other burning MVP questions? Message us on Slack (for newsletter subscribers) or email us at Hello@BlackRosieMedia.com.

Who has won the most WNBA MVPs?

A'ja Wilson holds the all-time record for WNBA MVPs with four (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025).

https://youtu.be/LuqOipqwUnw?si=ojHAUThNyQ948s8l

Wilson surpassed the previous record of three MVP trophies, held by three Hall of Famers:

• Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005)

  • Swwopes won her second MVP and the 2002 Defensive Player of the Year after missing the 2001 season with an ACL injury

• Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006)

  • In 2001, Leslie became the first player to SWEEP the All-Star, regular season, and Finals MVP awards

• Lauren Jackson (2003, 2007, 2010)

  • Jackson went on to help the Seattle Storm to a second franchise title and was named Finals MVP

Will we once again see A'ja Wilson win the MVP award in 2026?

Who was the first WNBA MVP?

Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets was the WNBA's first MVP in 1997 — the league's inaugural season — and won it unanimously.

https://youtu.be/7hmTMeV8EL0?si=Dw_xVIJglVl9Qa2m

She repeated in 1998, making her the only player to win back-to-back MVPs until A'ja Wilson matched the feat in 2024–2025.

Wilson also became the second-ever unanimous MVP in 2024, a feat Cynthia Cooper accomplished in the inaugural season.

Has any player ever won Rookie of the Year and WNBA MVP in the same season?

Candace Parker is competing for her third and final WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces.

Yes — exactly once.

In 2008, Candace Parker became the only player in WNBA history to win both honors in the same season, averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game as a rookie with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles has drawn attention as a potential winner of MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

Has Caitlin Clark ever won WNBA MVP?

Caitlin Clark smiling at the 2026 FIBA Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: USA Basketball

No.

Clark won WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2024 and finished fourth in MVP voting. As the WNBA enters its 30th season in 2026, she remains one of the top candidates to claim her first MVP award.

How is the WNBA MVP voted on?

WNBA MVP voting consists of a panel of 67 national sportswriters and broadcasters, including Black Rosie Media founder Erica L. Ayala.

Each voter ranks their top five candidates; 10 points are awarded for a first-place vote, 7 for second, 5 for third, 3 for fourth, and 1 for fifth.

The WNBA MVP award is given to the player with the most total points. The Most Valuable Player is the only award in which voters are asked to rank their selections. For every other individual award, voters select only their top pick in each category.

2023 WNBA MVP Voting Results.

The maximum possible score is 670 points — a total only achieved by Cynthia Cooper (1997) and A'ja Wilson (2024).

In 2023, Alyssa Thomas finished with 23 first-place votes, but Breanna Stewart won the MVP with a total of 446 points in the weighted ballot.

Who is favored to win WNBA MVP in 2026?

Heading into Season 30, A'ja Wilson enters as the defending four-time MVP and the clear favorite.