The Most Intense WNBA Rivalries That Shaped the League
The WNBA has seen some intense rivalries that go beyond the game itself. These matchups have brought unforgettable moments, where players and teams clash in high-stakes competition. The fierce on-court battles between rivals have shaped the league’s story and still keep basketball fans hooked. Let’s discuss some of them below.
Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese
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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry is a captivating saga from their early days in AAU basketball, notably when Angel’s LSU Tigers clinched the 2023 NCAA Championship. In the professional arena, their encounters have been equally fierce but full of mutual respect.
Kahleah Copper vs. Sophie Cunningham
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Kahleah and Sophie are now teammates with the Phoenix Mercury, but when they were adversaries, the excitement was non-stop. Their rivalry reached its peak in the 2021 WNBA Finals, where their intense on-court clash during Game 2 went viral on social media. The heated moment included a foul and some neck-grabbing, but they’ve since put aside their differences to collaborate for the same team.
Sabrina Ionescu vs. Caitlin Clark
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These two star guards transformed college basketball before taking their rivalry to the WNBA. Caitlin’s meteoric rise at Iowa followed Sabrina’s impressive collegiate career at Oregon. The two faced off in several thrilling professional matchups, with Sabrina’s Liberty holding a 4–2 edge in head-to-head matchups against Caitlin’s Fever.
Tamika Catchings vs. Swin Cash
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A college rivalry between Tennessee’s Tamika and Connecticut’s Swin carried over into the WNBA. Both players went on to have storied careers. Tamika with the Indiana Fever went on to win a championship in 2012, and Swin with the Detroit Shock clinched two. Their rivalry featured numerous postseason matchups.
Maya Moore vs. Alana Beard
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As two of the most skilled defenders in the league, Maya and Alana’s rivalry was a fixture of the mid-2010s. While Maya’s Minnesota Lynx dominated the league, including a memorable 2016 championship over Alana’s Los Angeles Sparks, the physicality, intensity, and passion on both sides of the ball were electric.
Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty
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Though both teams have struggled to capture championships, the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty have built a fierce rivalry, driven by passionate fan bases. Both East Coast teams consistently experience playoff contention, and their head-to-head matchups have often been high-stakes battles. The 2024 season saw Liberty eliminate the Sun in the conference finals.
Brittany Griner vs. Sylvia Fowles
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It all began when Brittany was drafted by Phoenix and Sylvia was taken in by Chicago. Brittany and Sylvia dominated the WNBA’s post play for over a decade, so their head-to-head matchups were ones to watch. However, Sylvia holds the edge in their career matchups.
Houston Comets vs. Los Angeles Sparks
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This rivalry was forged in the WNBA’s early years when the Comets and Sparks were both at the league’s forefront. Houston won four consecutive championships with players like Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, while the Sparks, led by Lisa Leslie, later began bagging back-to-back titles in the early 2000s. The intensity of their games laid the foundation for many fans’ love for women’s basketball.
Sheryl Swoopes vs. Teresa Weatherspoon
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Sheryl and Teresa are two of the early faces of the league. They brought a sense of competition to the WNBA in its nascent years. Their battles—Sheryl with the Houston Comets and Teresa with the New York Liberty—showed two players’ expertise in their respective positions. Although their teams rarely met in the Finals, their matchups added spice to the league’s competitive early days.
Lisa Leslie vs. Tina Thompson
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These were two of the WNBA’s original superstars. Lisa became the league’s face, and Tina contributed to the Houston Comets’ dominance. Their rivalry included several thrilling matchups, from the Sparks’ dominance in the early 2000s to the Comets’ playoff success.
Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury
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Seattle and Phoenix, two of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, have produced one of the most lasting rivalries in the sport. Players like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi have been key figures in this competitive clash. The competition reached new heights when the two teams faced off in the playoffs, including a dramatic series in 2018 that saw Seattle advance.
Candace Parker vs. Sylvia Fowles
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Candace Parker’s offensive skills often put her at odds with the defensive powerhouse that was Sylvia Fowles. It got most intense in 2016 when Candace led the Sparks to the WNBA championship, besting Sylvia’s Minnesota Lynx in a hard-fought Finals series.
Breanna Stewart vs. A’ja Wilson
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Breanna and A’ja have been on a collision course since they entered the WNBA, both winning multiple MVP awards. Things escalated in 2023 when Breanna’s New York Liberty faced Las Vegas Aces in the Finals, with the Aces taking the crown. Their ongoing rivalry promises to define the league for years, as they continue to push each other to greater heights.
Lisa Leslie vs. Lauren Jackson
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This rivalry became emblematic during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Lauren inadvertently pulled Lisa’s hair extension during a heated gold medal game. Both players epitomized the evolution of the forward position in women’s basketball during the early 2000s. Lisa was the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game.
Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream
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The Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream have developed a compelling rivalry marked by intense matchups and emerging talent. In the 2024 season, the Dream secured a narrow 83–78 victory over the Wings in their home opener, with Allisha Gray leading the charge with 21 points. Later that season, the Wings edged out the Dream 85–82. Their games are often characterized by fast-paced play and emerging stars.