The WNBA has some of the most thrilling rivalries in basketball.
From player clashes to team battles, these matchups are intense and unforgettable.
Hereโs a list of the top rivalries that define the league’s competitive spirit.
Top WNBA Rivalries:
20. Kahleah Copper vs. Sophie Cunningham
In 2024, Copper and Cunningham play for Phoenix Mercury, but they weren’t always friends. Their rivalry peaked during the 2021 WNBA Finals when Copper’s Chicago Sky faced Cunningham’s Mercury. In Game 2, things got heated with Copper being called for a foul after grabbing Cunningham by the neck. Theyโve since made up, but fans remember those fiery moments.
19. Sabrina Ionescu vs. Caitlin Clark
Ionescu was a star at Oregon before joining the WNBA in 2021, paving the way for Clark at Iowa. Now both in the league, their head-to-head games are must-watch events. Ionescuโs Liberty lead 3-1 over Clarkโs Fever with Ionescu averaging 16 points per game compared to Clark’s 13.3 points.
18. Tamika Catchings vs. Swin Cash
Their rivalry began in collegeโCatchings at Tennessee and Cash at Connecticutโand continued into their professional careers with Catchings excelling in Indiana and Cash winning titles in Detroit and Seattle.
17. Maya Moore vs. Alana Beard
This matchup was central to the mid-2010s Minnesota Lynx-Los Angeles Sparks rivalry. Mooreโs offensive prowess clashed with Beardโs defensive skills, creating some of the most intense games of that era.
16. Connecticut Sun vs New York Liberty
Both teams have struggled to clinch a championship despite numerous attempts (0-9 combined in Finals). Their rivalry remains strong; New York eliminated Connecticut last season and currently leads the league standings as of mid-2024.
15: Brittany Griner vs Sylvia Fowles
Fowles is considered one of the best post players ever, while Griner is known for her shot-blocking abilities . Their matchups were always special; Fowles holds more wins but their stats are closely matched.
Fans often say these rivalries make every game exciting!
14: Houston Comets vs Los Angeles Sparks
In the early years of WNBA, these two teams dominated with Houston winning four straight titles from ’97-’00 led by Cynthia Cooper while LA took over with back-to-back championships starting from ’01 under Lisa Leslie’s leadership.
13: Sheryl Swoopes vs Teresa Weatherspoon
Swoopes was an early star post-college career at Texas Tech while Weatherspoon shined for New York Liberty after NCAA success at Louisiana Techโboth brought fierce competition yet mutual respect on court during their prime years.
12: Lisa Leslie vs Tina Thompson
Leslie became face-of-WNBA playing for LA Sparks whereas Thompson helped Houston Comets dominate initial seasonsโtheir individual battles were marked by intensity & skill showcasing true essence womenโs professional basketball can offer!
What do you think about these epic rivalries? Share your thoughts!
