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The WNBA has featured some of the top women's basketball players in the entire world. Throughout the league's history, a wide range of talented women have showcased their talent on the biggest stage.
It's also been a remarkable platform for a number of players who are a part of the LGBTQ community. Some of the best players in the WNBA have come out during their careers. With each announcement brings the encouragement and confidence for another player to share their story.
Players such as Seimone Augustus, Elena Delle Donne and Breanna Stewart are a few who deserve mention. But there's also a number of legendary players who have stood strong to share their story. Here's a look at the top five WNBA players who have come out.
Top five WNBA Players who are gay/lesbian
Brittney Griner
Before joining the WNBA, Brittney Griner was one of the most popular figures in college basketball. She was a star while attending the University of Baylor. After being selected first in the 2013 draft by the Phoenix Mercury, Griner came out.
Griner has played nine years in the WNBA, all as a member of the Phoenix Mercury. Over those nine years, Griner has been named an All-Star seven times. She's also a former champion, leading the Mercury to the title in 2014.
Sue Bird
One of the most celebrated LGBTQ power couples in pro sports is WNBA star Sue Bird and fiancee Megan Rapinoe. Bird is one of the most legendary women players in the history of basketball. Rapinoe is a women's soccer star, the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin as well as The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019 along with two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal.
She became the first player in league history to record 3,000 career assists. Bird was also a 13-time All-Star and won four championships. She was a the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft by the Seattle Storm. Bird played 19 seasons, all as a member of the Storm. She's also won five Olympic gold medals.
Sheryl Swoopes
One of the most legendary players in the history of women's basketball is Sheryl Swoopes. She won four championships with the Houston Comets and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Swoopes originally addressed her relationship with a women when she was an active player in 2005.
Since then, Swoopes ended the relationship and married a man, but she is still viewed as an important individual when it comes to LGBTQ athletes. Swoopes was a three-time league MVP as well as a six-time All-Star.
Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi became one of the biggest stars in the history of college basketball. After dominating while playing for the UConn Huskies, Taurasi was the first pick of the 2004 draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
It would be the beginning of an incredible career for Taurasi. She's still playing and is preparing for her 19th season in the WNBA. Taurasi was named the league's MVP in 2009 and has been a 10-time All-Star. In 2017, she married her former Mercuy teammate Penny Taylor.
Candace Parker
As one of the most legendary players in the history of the league, Candace Parker is preparing for the 16th season of her illustrious basketball career. She was a former first overall selection by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 draft.
Parker came out in December 2021 and has been another strong figure for the LGBTQ community. She's a two-time league MVP and has won two championships as well. Parker has career averages of 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Guess the Lakers players!
