Top 10 Oldest WNBA Players in History

The WNBA is a dynamic mix of young, recent college graduates and seasoned veterans, each of whom has contributed to the league. Because it usually comes with experience, age is a plus in the WNBA. Players need some time to get adjusted to such a drastic shift from college to the pros, no matter how unfair expectations have been placed upon several of the rookies this year. However, it’s not just college that they are coming from to the WNBA. This year, Rebekah Gardner of the Chicago Sky debuted against the New York Liberty at the age of 31 years. She ended her collegiate career back in 2012 at UCLA. However, she chose to play overseas across different countries like Spain, Turkey, etc.

As per the claims from Across The Timeline, Gardner has been the oldest rookie to make a debut since the year 2003. It truly breaks the usual norms of the WNBA, where players usually debut at the age of 22 years. The margin can extend up to 26 years. However, year by year, the WNBA league is quite progressive when it comes to the oldest and youngest players in the league.

Ranking Oldest Players in WNBA

Young players like Caitlin Clark are definitely the face of the league, but the veterans form the backbone of the league. Younger players bring renewed energy, athleticism, and new skills to the league, but most of them arrive in the league at a draft age-usually early 20s-and, therefore, can hopefully be entrenched at the pro level pretty quickly, bright-eyed and ready from day one.

On the other hand, veterans come carrying a great deal of experience, leadership, and tactical know-how, partly because they are usually in their late 30s. Let’s take a look at such players from the WNBA who are excelling on the court.

Top 10 Oldest Players in WNBA History

It would be incomplete to talk about WNBA without mentioning Diana Taurasi, including numerous awards, such as WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2004 and three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. It’s rumored that because of her epic career, she is the inspiration for the current WNBA logo’s silhouette.

As for experience, no one in the WNBA can compare with Taurasi. Her averages for her career are 19.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Obviously, a player of her caliber is a huge asset to Mercury. The experience that she has as a senior player and leader also provides insight and leadership to several other younger teammates that guarantee great performance on the floor.

#10 Diana Taurasi (42 years)

Diana Taurasi has been one of the most dominant and consistent players in WNBA history since being drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004. Even in her 40s, she continues to compete at a high level, adding to a career that includes three WNBA championships, an MVP award, and multiple scoring titles.

Known for her clutch shooting and fearless mentality, she has averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game over her career. With a resume that includes 11 All-Star selections and 14 All-WNBA honors, she has set the standard for longevity and excellence in the league. No matter how many years she plays, Taurasi’s impact on the game remains undeniable.

#9 Rebekkah Brunson (43 years)

Rebekkah Brunson built a career on toughness, defense, and winning. Drafted in 2004 by the Sacramento Monarchs, she won her first WNBA championship with them in 2005 before becoming a key piece of the Minnesota Lynx dynasty. With five WNBA titles, she holds the record for the most championships in league history.

A relentless rebounder and elite defender, she averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while earning seven All-Defensive Team selections. Even after retiring, she remained with the Lynx as an assistant coach, continuing to impact the game.

#8 Sue Bird (44 years)

Sue Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002 and became one of the most consistent and accomplished players in WNBA history. Over her 20-year career, she won four WNBA championships and was named to 13 All-Star teams. She averaged 11.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.

A three-time assists leader and eight-time All-WNBA selection, she was known for her court vision and leadership. She was also named to the WNBA’s All-Decade Team in 2006 and won three Sportsmanship Awards.

#7 Tamika Catchings (45 years)

Tamika Catchings was drafted third overall by the Indiana Fever in 2001 and became one of the most well-rounded players in WNBA history. Over her 15-year career, she won a WNBA championship in 2012, was named league MVP in 2011, and earned 10 All-Star selections. She averaged 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.

A five-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time steals leader, she was known for her strong defensive presence. She was also a 12-time All-WNBA and All-Defensive selection and won three Sportsmanship Awards. In 2020, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

#6 Katie Smith (50 years)

Katie Smith joined the WNBA in 1999 as part of the Minnesota Lynx and became one of the league’s most consistent scorers and leaders. Over her career, she won two WNBA championships and was named Finals MVP in 2008. A seven-time All-Star, according to basketball reference she averaged 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range.

She led the league in scoring in 2001 and was a four-time All-WNBA selection. In 2006, she was named to the WNBA’s All-Decade Team, and in 2018, she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

#5 DeLisha Milton-Jones (50 years)

The next in the top 10 oldest WNBA players is DeLisha Milton-Jones. DeLisha was drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 1999 and became a key part of their back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002. A two-time All-Star, she averaged 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. Known for her versatility, she played 499 career games, one of the highest totals in WNBA history.

She was also recognized for her leadership, winning the Community Assist Award in 2012 and the Sportsmanship Award in 2015. After retiring, she transitioned into coaching. She remains active on social media, including Instagram (@delishamiltonjones).

#4 Sheryl Swoopes (54 years)

Sheryl Swoopes was one of the WNBA’s first true superstars, making history as the league’s first player signed in 1997. A dominant two-way player, she helped lead the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships and became the first woman to win three WNBA MVP awards. According to basketball reference, over her career, she averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while also earning three Defensive Player of the Year awards. A six-time All-Star and 2X scoring champion. Her impact extended beyond the court, paving the way for future generations, and she was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

#3 Taj McWilliams-Franklin (54 years)

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had one of the longest and most respected careers in WNBA history, playing well into her 40s and proving that experience and leadership were just as valuable as talent. Drafted in 1999 by the Orlando Miracle, she became a six-time All-Star and won two WNBA championships, including one at age 40 with the Minnesota Lynx in 2011.

A skilled post player and steady presence on both ends of the floor, she averaged 11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Known for her leadership, she was often a mentor to younger players and continued her influence in the game as a coach after retiring.

#2 Yolanda Griffith (55 years)

The next in the top 10 oldest WNBA players is Yolanda Griffith. Griffith entered the WNBA as a 29-year-old rookie in 1999, but she wasted no time making an impact. In her first season with the Sacramento Monarchs, she was named league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, proving that age was just a number. A dominant force in the paint, she averaged 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game over her career, earning seven All-Star selections and leading Sacramento to its first and only WNBA championship in 2005, where she was named Finals MVP. Known for her toughness and relentless work ethic, she played 11 seasons before retiring and later being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

#1 Suzie McConnell-Serio (58 years)

Suzie McConnell Serio made history as one of the oldest WNBA players to ever compete in the WNBA, joining the league at age 31 when she was drafted by the Cleveland Rockers in 1998. Despite starting her professional career later than most, she quickly proved she could still play at a high level, earning All-WNBA honors in her first season. A reliable guard, according to basketball reference, she averaged 6.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game over two seasons.

Before the WNBA, she had already built an impressive basketball resume, starring at Penn State and winning an Olympic gold medal in 1988. Her leadership and experience were valuable on and off the court, and even after retiring as a player, she remained involved in the game as a coach.

List of Youngest WNBA Players

Washington Mystics player Jade Melbourne was the youngest WNBA player in 2024. She is 21, and on August 18, she turned 22 years of age. Two other players are following her on the list; there’s Aaliyah Edwards, 21 years of age, who turned 22 on July 9. Then there is Sika Koné, who is also 21 years old and turned 22 on July 13. We have created a table listing the top 10 youngest WNBA players below.