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ESPN Names Top 10 WNBA Playmakers on 30th Anniversary

6/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

ESPN listed the ten most dynamic WNBA playmakers as the league celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Kelsey Gray (Las Vegas Aces) averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 assists, with a career-high 7.3 assists in 2023.
Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) holds the all-time assists record (3,234) and posted 6.0 assists at age 41.
Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) ranks second all-time with 2,886 assists and set a 2020 record of 18 assists.

History

Historical Context

The NBA Board of Governors approved the WNBA on 24 April 1996; the league began its first season on 21 June 1997 with eight teams, capitalizing on the women’s Olympic gold that summer. Stars Lisa Leslie (MVP, 15.5 ppg) and Sue Bird (3,234 assists) helped attract 1.1 million TV viewers and set a model. That model underlies ESPN’s ranking of ten playmakers as the league approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027.

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Story summary

ESPN listed the ten most dynamic WNBA playmakers as the league celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Kelsey Gray (Las Vegas Aces) averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 assists, with a career-high 7.3 assists in 2023.
Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) holds the all-time assists record (3,234) and posted 6.0 assists at age 41.
Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) ranks second all-time with 2,886 assists and set a 2020 record of 18 assists.

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