10 Oldest WNBA Player of All Time to Ever Play the Game

The oldest WNBA player has inspired generations, showing dedication, skill, and resilience at the top level of women's basketball. These legendary players spurned age expectations by adding meaning to both their teams and the overall game. Though most players would retire early, others would play for a longer period and create a legacy in the WNBA. Fans frequently wonder, “Who is the oldest WNBA player?” or “Who is the oldest WNBA player of all time?” The following is a shout-out to those heroes who performed and made a difference.

Who is the Oldest WNBA Player of All Time?

The distinction of the oldest WNBA player in history belongs to two incredible legends: Nancy Lieberman and Diana Taurasi, and considered to be the oldest WNBA player ever. Lieberman later returned to the court at 50 years and 7 days old to play with the Detroit Shock in 2008 and set the all-time record for oldest player to play in the WNBA. Her return, however fleeting, was an iconic narrative for not only her love of the game but her status as one of the legends of women’s basketball.

For the Phoenix Mercury, Diana Taurasi is the WNBA player who was competing at age 42, and she is the oldest WNBA player of all time. Unlike her brief return, Taurasi has been a star, consistently otherworldly in her efforts, leading her team and perennially among the best players. Between her consistency, leadership, and a scoring touch like no other, she has become an immortal in the game. Lieberman and Taurasi serve as two contrasting examples of longevity in the WNBA, but each is just as remarkable as the other.

Top 10 Oldest WNBA Players of All Time

The WNBA has had a number of players who managed to “beat the clock” and continue playing professionally well into their late 30s and early 40s. Enduring in professional basketball is achievable (if even rare) with extraordinary conditioning, a sharp mindset, and proper evolution as the sport changes. Many players call it a career by the age of thirty, but for women included on this list, that was just the beginning. They not only prolonged their careers but also played vital roles until retirement, oftentimes serving as coaches and guiding figures during the twilight years of their careers.

Some truly incredible all-time greats, such as Diana Taurasi and Taj McWilliams-Franklin, or more versatile forwards DeLisha Milton-Jones, along with iconic guards like Sue Bird, mark a significant change in history alongside countless other women who’ve shaped the game. Below are the top 10 oldest players in WNBA history who changed perceptions about aging while competing in an extremely physically demanding league.

#10: Seimone Augustus (37 Years)

Seimone Augustus ranks at number 10 in our oldest WNBA player of all time list. She played in the WNBA until she was 37 years of age and had a remarkable career full of awards, achievements, and WNBA Championships. After being drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2006, she assisted in making the Lynx one of the most dominant dynasties in league history.

During Augustus' time with the Lynx, they captured four WNBA Championships, as well as a Finals MVP in 2011. Augustus played the shooting guard and forward positions and embodied a smooth mid-range game, showcased her clutch abilities in big moments, and was a tremendous leader, all characteristics aiding her longevity as a successful professional player.

As she moved on towards the twilight of her playing career, it was with the Los Angeles Sparks where she took on a more mentor-type role in addition to her still providing valuable minutes, and doing what she could to help when possible behalf of her team's efforts to win. Once her time came to an end during her last time on the court and retirement, she accepted a position with the Sparks coaching staff to continue her positive contributions to the game of basketball.

#9: Tamika Catchings (37 Years)

Tamika Catchings is a former professional WNBA player for the Indiana Fever. She retired at the age of 37. She is one of the oldest WNBA player of all time. She has spanned her entire career with one team. During this period, she was known for her tenacious leadership and all-around game skills. In addition to her numerous accolades, such as a five-time Defensive Player of the Year and a ten-time All-Star, she also led the Fever to victory in the WNBA Championship in 2012, where she received the title of Finals MVP.

Even in her later years, Catchings remained a dominant force on both ends of the court, which truly spoke to her defensive instincts. Further, her rebounding and clutch shooting helped preserve her place in women’s basketball throughout her 30s. Beyond sports, Catchings served as a role model and community leader who championed causes revolving around social justice and youth engagement. After stepping away from playing basketball professionally, she began working in advocacy, which further allowed her to focus more on community support efforts.

Due to firsthand witnessing issues persisting within society, she became fueled by a persistent commitment towards change. Throughout this whole process, Catchings maintained herself as one of Basketball’s most revered female personalities while simultaneously earning respect alongside enduring love from global audiences. Catchings ranks at number 9 on the oldest WNBA players list.

#8: Rebekkah Brunson (38 Years)

Rebekkah Brunson played through age 38, professionally one of the most durable players in WNBA history. During her time with the Sacramento Monarchs and Minnesota Lynx, she built a reputation as a physical player who could rebound and defend intensely. She was part of the Lynx dynasty, winning five WNBA Championships as a Cornerstone Player Extension Center, which is still a record for the league.

As a power forward, she brought an unparalleled amount of grit and hustle, routinely leading her team in boards while shouldering the tough task of defending the best frontcourt players on opposing teams.
Her effectiveness, even late in her career, was largely due to superb conditioning, a deep well of experience, and exceptional basketball IQ. Brunson proved invaluable during playoff runs because of her presence in and out of the locker room. She has continued to influence the game by joining the Lynx coaching staff after retirement, which goes on to further cement her legacy. Brunson is one of the oldest WNBA players of all time.

#7: Sheryl Swoopes (38 Years)

Sheryl Swoopes, "the female Michael Jordan," played until 38, still showing her unique blend of athleticism, skill, and competitive spirit. Swoopes was one of a group of players share signed with the WNBA; arguably, she was the face of the WNBA. In her career, she gained 3 MVPs, 4 WNBA Championships with the Houston Comets, and made 6 all-star games. Even in her later career, she was still a leading guard/forward because of her scoring ability, defense, and leadership abilities.

Prior to the WNBA, Swoopes was able to be one of the first women to have a signature shoe, which showed how culturally impactful she was in the game of basketball.
Swoopes eventually returned to the WNBA late in her career after her time away, further demonstrating her passion and love for the game. During this time, she played for the Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock and was influential in the development of many future and current players. Swoopes will continue to be honored for her contribution to the game, starting with her help in growing women's basketball, but also for maintaining her level of play up into her last days in the WNBA. Swoopes ranks at 7 on the oldest WNBA players ever list.

#6: Yolanda Griffith (39 Years)

Yolanda Griffith was one of the leading WNBA center players who was still active in her profession by the age of 39. Griffith attained average to above average rebounding and defense capabilities, which earned her league MVP awards in the year of 1999, helping her garner a WNBA Championship title with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005.

Over her professional career, she accumulated significant experience, having played with the Houston Comets, the Indiana Fever, and the Seattle Storm. Even in her late thirties, Griffith maintained strong muscle tone that allowed her to defend strongly under the basket and also score easily during offensive plays. The woman was known for adjusting well strategically to ageing, enabling older players to outsmart younger ones. She remained hard-working, enduring strong Orlando Magic team leadership, and had a positive impact on the team spirit as she led from the front, pushing through game after game. Griffith is the 6th-oldest WNBA player.

#5: Katie Smith (39 Years)

Katie Smith is known for her long and productive career; she played until she was 39, and had a Hall of Fame-worthy career in the WNBA. In the WNBA, Smith was a 2-time WNBA Champion and a 7-time All-Star. She is also one of the league's all-time greatest scorers in the WNBA. Smith played for the Minnesota Lynx, Detroit Shock, Washington Mystics, and New York Liberty.

She was influential and produced scoring, half-court defense, and leadership. Katie Smith produced a high level of productivity, performance, and leadership in crunch time. Smith changed her game as she got older, including her shooting to account for the size of her competition, but also the fatigue that we all face related to age. As a result, Smith was able to establish longevity in her career; when she finished playing, she was both a player who was still a useful player in games as well as a mentor to young players.

As both an example in terms of her abilities and what she had achieved, Katie Smith earned respect and was appreciated for being a leader and example. After finishing her successful playing career, Smith made the easy transition to coaching to significantly earning the opportunity to be a head coach for the Liberty. Katie is one of the oldest WNBA players in history.

#4: Sue Bird (41 Years)

Sue Bird retired after the 2022 WNBA season. At 41, Bird has had one of the all-time careers in WNBA history, having served as the point guard for the Seattle Storm for the better part of two decades, overseeing one of the league's signature franchises. Bird led the Storm to four WNBA Titles and participated in 13 All-Star games. Every season, Bird's degree of presence as a leader and the ability to select the right moments to execute her clutch shot-making abilities, as well as her playmaking as a pass-first point guard, is unparalleled. Bird has tailored her game to stay competitive in her 40s, which is something very few athletic competitors can attain.

Bird could go from controlling the pace of the game to controlling the tempo of the game, and this was evident every minute she was on the floor until her last season. In her day job, Bird kept working hard away from the court, soon emerging as a voice for social change and a role model for younger players. Bird’s excellence, longevity, and leadership made her a favorite of the women’s basketball fanbase and the face of the WNBA. Bird was still playing meaningful minutes in the playoff game at the end of her career, and great athletes might somehow even get better while getting older. Bird is ranked at number 4 in the oldest WNBA players of all time list.

#3: Taj McWilliams-Franklin (41 Years)

Taj McWilliams-Franklin played professional basketball as late as 41 years and 6 months of age, making her one of the oldest players in WNBA history. She was a gritty and reliable power forward/center who played for a number of teams, Orlando Miracle, Connecticut Sun, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, Detroit Shock, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx. She might've been old, yet she played in a starting role, alongside other WNBA stars like Maya Moore, while leading the Lynx to a WNBA Championship in 2011. She proved reliable and consistent, a great rebounding power forward or center, a mentor to younger players, and most importantly for teams, a leader and tone setter in the locker room.

Her fitness and longevity as a professional athlete were predicated, at least in part, on a maintenance type of body that had a very smart and adaptable, and flexible way of playing. She would go on to contribute an important yet supportive role to championship-contending teams in the twilight of her career.

Taj's presence was more than stats, demonstrating that she evolved into a respected veteran, with diverse roster and environment experiences that helped lay the foundation of professionalism in the culture of the WNBA. Taj is ranked third on the oldest WNBA players ever list.

#2: DeLisha Milton-Jones (42 Years)

DeLisha Milton-Jones had one of the longest careers in WNBA history and retired at 42 years old. She excelled in all aspects of the court; however, she was a forward, and her great intensity, high basketball IQ, and versatility were her trademark!

Milton-Jones played for the Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, San Antonio Stars, and New York Liberty. In addition to her two WNBA championships she earned with the Sparks, she earned two Olympic gold medals when she played with Team USA. She was frequently called on specifically because of her FaceTime, her experience, and overall demeanor late in games, and in clutch situations. At one point in her WNBA career, Milton-Jones held a record for the most games played in WNBA history.

The most important thing about DeLisha Milton-Jones is that she was durable, physically fit, and was able to adapt her playing style as she aged, and after she left the court, she slipped into coaching seamlessly to keep contributing to women's basketball at the collegiate level. Fans' favorite aspect of her durable career and long-term influence in women's basketball is that it truly highlights her as one of the most respected figures in the WNBA. DeLisha has named herself second on the oldest WNBA players in history list.

#1: Diana Taurasi (42 Years)

Diana Taurasi, considered by most to be one of the best basketball players of all time and one of the best players ever in Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) history, announced her retirement in 2025 after an impressive twenty-year WNBA career, all with the Phoenix Mercury. Taurasi was drafted number one overall in 2004. She is the oldest WNBA player of all time to ever play in the league.

Throughout her WNBA career, Taurasi remained with the Mercury, becoming a multi-faceted player who scored over 9,000 points, leading the WNBA in points scored for all-time. She was known as one of the best competitors, performers, and closers. In matches, she had elite shot-making ability, vision, and leadership ability that contributed towards the development of a uniquely cultural basketball experience, resulting in three WNBA championships during her career.

During her professional career, Taurasi collected an impressive stat sheet and numerous accolades, including selection in the All-Star Game ten times, League MVP, and was generally acknowledged for being the engine for the Mercury runs in the playoffs. One of the more astonishing accomplishments for Taurasi was competing at a high level into her forties, based on her work ethic, mental toughness, competitive nature, and love of the game. Taurasi had an extremely productive scoring career. Her career will be remembered not because of the points she scored, but for her combined accomplishments and example as a pioneer and icon of women's basketball. Diana is the oldest WNBA player ever and is ranked number 1 on the oldest WNBA players of all time list.