Top 10 WNBA Teams with Most Championships: Who Tops The List?

Ever since its establishment in 1997, the WNBA has developed into one of the world’s great professional sports leagues. There is hardly any country that can boast as much youthful talent as it does. In the years, several teams have dominated the league, bringing about a rich history in terms of championships. From the standpoint of a past champion, the accolades shall be lavished upon the winning teams and the legendary players who have always delivered.

It has flourished in terms of challenges and worldwide recognition over the years. Its competitive landscape is bifurcated into two conferences, namely the Eastern and Western conferences. These conferences comprise of 12 teams. These teams for a playoff spot battle against each other. The top eight teams secure the post-play-off position.

The competitive landscape of the WNBA’s key aspects includes talent pool, parity and strong teams, global influence, and innovations in play style. The highest prize given to the team that wins the postseason is the WNBA championship. Several players and teams have left behind an imprint on the championship legacy. The WNBA leads to the overall growth of the sport. This league is the motivation for various young girls and women to follow their passion.

This article will outline the teams and players that have made the most significant impacts through WNBA championship wins. We will delve into how many championships the teams with the most titles have won in this league. Furthermore, we will discuss players with the most titles won and franchises that have the best record in finals.

10 WNBA Teams with Most Championships

The Comets were the only WNBA championship teams​ to win the first four championships of WNBA history from 1997 through 2000 and were the first true powerhouse in the league. The legends on the line, including Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson, set a hallmark level of excellence in the young years of the league. However, the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm have leveled the playing field with the Comets in recent years, as both teams have accumulated four titles each. The Lynx dominated much of the 2010s, winning four titles between 2011 and 2017, partly because of a devastating roster that came to include Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, with Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, won their fourth championship in 2020.

The Los Angeles Sparks, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury are among the biggest contributors in the WNBA championship teams​, having won three championships apiece and enjoyed being a constant presence in the playoffs throughout their franchises. As per the most championships rankings by ESPN, we have presented the top 10 WNBA teams with most WNBA championships in the table below:

#10: Indiana Fever (1)

The Indiana Fever comes in 10th Position in the Top 10 teams Rankings. The Indiana Fever achieved their crowning moment in 2012, clinching their sole WNBA Championship by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a hard-fought four-game series. The driving force behind this championship and much of the Fever's sustained success was undoubtedly Tamika Catchings.

A legendary forward, Catchings spent her entire career with the Fever (2002-2016), earning the 2012 WNBA Finals MVP for her stellar performance in the championship series (averaging 22.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists). Being a current general manager, she also achieved a WNBA MVP award, five Defensive Player of the Year awards, and multiple All-Star selections. Other key players who have contributed significantly to the Fever's championship era include Katie Douglas, Briann January, and Shavonte Zellous.

#9: Chicago Sky (1)

The Chicago Sky comes in 9th Position in the Top 10 teams Rankings. The Chicago Sky achieved their first and only WNBA Championship in 2021, overcoming the Phoenix Mercury in a 3-1 Finals series. They gained a huge fan base during the season, and they had become a playoff contender in recent years. The 2021 championship team featured a star-studded roster. Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, famously returned to her hometown team and provided veteran leadership and clutch play throughout their playoff run.

Kahleah Copper emerged as a true star for the team, achieving the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP because of her scoring and aggressive play, and Courtney Vandersloot has led the league in assists multiple times and set various franchise records for the team. Sharpshooter Allie Quigley provided critical perimeter scoring. Other vital contributors to winning the championship include Azura Stevens and Stefanie Dolson, forming a well-rounded unit that peaked at the perfect time.

#8: New York Liberty (1)

The New York Liberty finally captured their elusive first WNBA Championship in 2024 and came in 8th Position in the Top 10 teams Rankings, ending a long wait for one of the league's original franchises. They defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game Finals series and became one of the fans' favorite teams. This historic win followed several previous Finals appearances (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2023) where they fell short. A stacked roster powered the 2024 championship. Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, provided consistent dominance and leadership, earning the 2023 WNBA MVP for her incredible season and being a key player for the team. Jonquel Jones stepped up immensely in the Finals, earning 2024 WNBA Finals MVP honors for her crucial performances.

The dynamic playmaking and sharp-shooting of Sabrina Ionescu were also vital, as was the veteran savvy of point guard Courtney Vandersloot. This "super team" lived up to expectations, bringing a long-awaited title to New York.

#7: Las Vegas Aces (2)

The Las Vegas Aces placed themselves in the 7th position in the WNBA championship list by winning the championship ring in 2022 and 2023. Their 2022 victory saw them defeat the Connecticut Sun 3-1, marking the franchise's first championship title, becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-2002. They followed this by defeating the New York Liberty 3-1 in 2023, becoming the first WNBA team to achieve consecutive championships.

A core group of immensely talented players powered these historic runs. A'ja Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, consistently delivered MVP-level performances, including being named the 2022 WNBA Finals MVP. Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Candace Parker made a great team while winning the championship titles for the team. Head Coach Becky Hammon also played a very important role, implementing a high-scoring offense that revolutionized the team's play.

#6: Phoenix Mercury (3)

The Phoenix Mercury secured its position as 6th in the WNBA championship list, winning three WNBA Championships during their existence. They claimed titles in 2007, 2009, and 2014. At the time of the three championships, Diana Taurasi was the key player who consistently delivered clutch performances and holds numerous league records. Her incredible scoring ability and leadership helped the Mercury to become one of the successful teams in that era.

In 2007 and 2009, Cappie Pondexter formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Taurasi, providing significant offensive firepower and playmaking. Penny Taylor was another crucial piece on all three championship teams, contributing as a forward with her versatile scoring, passing, and veteran presence. For their 2014 championship, the Mercury added dominant center Brittney Griner. Her interior presence, shot-blocking, and scoring alongside Taurasi and Taylor created a formidable "Big Three" that proved unstoppable. Additionally, Candice Dupree provided a consistent low-post scoring threat, helping the Mercury achieve their third championship.

#5: Los Angeles Sparks (3)

The Los Angeles Sparks are known as a 5th championship-winning team with three WNBA Championships. They achieved back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002, then added a third in 2016. One of the key players behind their early championships was Lisa Leslie, an iconic center who won multiple WNBA MVP and Finals MVP awards.

She has helped the Sparks to achieve their first two titles with her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking prowess. Point guard Nikki Teasley hit the crucial shot that secured their 2002 championship. The 2016 team featured another key player, Candace Parker, who returned home to lead the Sparks. Parker, being a two-time WNBA MVP, earned the 2016 WNBA Finals MVP for her all-around brilliance. Alongside her, Nneka Ogwumike had an MVP season in 2016, providing consistent scoring and rebounding.

#4: Dallas Wings (3)

The Detroit Shock, one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history (now the Dallas Wings), boasts three WNBA championships (2003, 2006, 2008) and four Conference titles, one championship away from becoming the WNBA team with most championships.. Their success largely came under head coach Bill Laimbeer, who led the team from 2002 to 2009. Key players who contributed to these championships include Swin Cash (a two-time champion with the Shock in 2003 and 2006, and later a Hall of Famer), Cheryl Ford (2003 Rookie of the Year and a two-time champion), Deanna Nolan (a three-time champion and 2006 Finals MVP), Ruth Riley (2003 Finals MVP), and Katie Smith (a three-time champion and 2008 Finals MVP).

The 2003 team famously went from the worst record in the league to winning a championship, with a roster that featured these core players alongside others like Elaine Powell and Kedra Holland-Corn. The 2006 team saw the continued dominance of Cash, Ford, Nolan, Riley, and Smith. By 2008, while Swin Cash had moved on, the Shock still featured a strong core of Nolan, Smith, and Ford, and added veteran Taj McWilliams-Franklin to secure their third title.

#3: Seattle Storm (4)

The Seattle Storm stands in the third position in the WNBA championship list with an impressive four Championships and maintains a perfect 4-0 record in the Finals. Their championship years are 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020, and they became one of the WNBA team with most championships.. The key players of the team are Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson. Bird, being the league's all-time assists leader, quarterbacked all four championship teams. Jackson, a three-time WNBA MVP, dominated in the paint, leading the Storm to titles in 2004 (alongside Betty Lennox, who was the Finals MVP) and 2010 (where Jackson herself earned Finals MVP).

In their more recent championship runs, Bird teamed up with superstar forward Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP and two-time Finals MVP (2018, 2020), to create another formidable duo. Some other players who have helped the team to become wnba team with most championships are Jewell Loyd and Alysha Clark, who helped to win the two most recent championships, cementing their legacy as a powerhouse franchise.

#2: Minnesota Lynx (4)

The Minnesota Lynx established themselves as a dominant team in the WNBA, capturing 4 championships in a six-year span (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017) and became one of the WNBA team with most championships. This era of excellence was largely due to a core group of future Hall of Famers. Lindsay Whalen, the savvy point guard and Minnesota native, orchestrated their offense. Seimone Augustus has scored consistently and provided great performances, earning MVP in the finals of 2011.

The arrival of Maya Moore, an extraordinary talent and the first overall pick in 2011, elevated the team to new heights; she was Finals MVP in 2013. The addition of Sylvia Fowles in 2015 completed their formidable lineup, with her dominant post play securing two more Finals MVP awards (2015, 2017) and solidifying their dynasty under the guidance of Head Coach Cheryl Reeve. That 2011 season, with an impressive 27-7 record, truly set the stage for their multiple championship runs.

#1: Houston Comets (4)

The Houston Comets are the WNBA's original franchise and have now become the teams with most WNBA championships, carving their name in history by winning the league's first 4 championships consecutively from 1997 to 2000 and earning the title of WNBA team with most championships. This unparalleled "four-peat" established them as the WNBA's first true dynasty.

Their remarkable success was largely fueled by the "Big Three": Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. Cooper, a fierce scorer and the league's first MVP, was often the Finals MVP during their championship runs. Swoopes, a versatile forward, provided elite defense and offensive punch, while Thompson, the team's first-ever draft pick, was a consistent double-double threat. Coach Van Chancellor skillfully guided this talented roster, which also saw key contributions from players like Kim Perrot, whose spirit continued to inspire the team even after her tragic passing during their 1999 championship season. Their record of 27-3 in 1998, a .900 winning percentage, remains a WNBA best.