Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie on Team USA at the Beijing Olympics. Aug 23, 2008; Beijing, CHINA; USA players Tina Thompson (lefT) and Lisa Leslie (9) cheer during the fourth quarter of the womens basketball gold medal basketball game at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. USA defeated Australia 92-65 to win the gold medal. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The WNBA owes much of its foundation and early success to the pioneering efforts of three legendary athletes: Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Tina Thompson. As the league’s first superstars, they helped establish the WNBA as a legitimate professional sports league and transcended the game itself. 

These three women were more than just basketball players— they were trailblazers who shaped the future of the league, challenged societal norms, and became powerful symbols of empowerment for women and girls everywhere.

From Swoopes’ role as the league’s first marquee player to Leslie’s legacy as a global ambassador for women’s sports and Thompson’s quiet but steadfast dominance, their contributions went far beyond what could be measured in points and championships.

Their impact transcended basketball, as they helped pave the way for the growth of women’s sports, challenged stereotypes, and inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams, knowing that their talent and passion could take them places once thought unimaginable.

Swoopes was the first player ever to sign with the WNBA, making her an integral part of the league’s foundation. She was, in many ways, the embodiment of the league’s aspirations— dynamic, athletic, and unrelenting. Swoopes became the league’s first marquee star, and her play on the court proved she belonged at the highest levels of basketball.

Swoopes’ game was defined by her exceptional defensive skills, athleticism, and versatility. She was a fierce competitor, earning three WNBA MVP awards (2000, 2002, and 2005) and four WNBA championships with the Houston Comets. As one of the first women to be truly recognized for her ability to impact every facet of the game, Swoopes was not only the league’s cornerstone player but also a model of excellence and professionalism.

Leslie was another foundational figure in the WNBA, but her influence extends far beyond her on-court success. As one of the most decorated athletes in women’s basketball history, Leslie was a dominant force who helped shape the league into a household name. Her career is filled with milestones that set the standard for future generations of women’s basketball players. She won four Olympic gold medals, two WNBA MVP awards, and two WNBA championships with the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2002, she became the first player in WNBA history to dunk during a game, marking a major turning point in the league’s visibility and how the public perceived women’s athleticism.

Leslie was a towering figure in the post, utilizing her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ to dominate the court. Her impact was not confined to the basketball court. She was one of the first women to transcend the sport, becoming a global ambassador for women’s sports. She made appearances on national television, including popular talk shows, and became a key figure in advocating for women’s rights in sports.

Thompson’s consistency, work ethic, and leadership helped define the WNBA during its early years. As a member of the Houston Comets, she won four WNBA championships and became one of the most reliable and versatile players in league history. She was a pioneer of versatility in the WNBA, with a unique ability to score both inside and from the perimeter. She averaged over 15 points per game over her career and was known for her basketball IQ and clutch performances. Her steadiness and leadership helped keep the Comets at the top of the league, and her unassuming, yet dominant presence made her a key figure in the WNBA’s early success.

Thompson’s career spanned nearly two decades, and she was one of the first athletes to show that a long, successful career in the WNBA was not only possible but attainable. After her playing career, she transitioned to coaching and mentoring, ensuring that her impact would extend to future generations.

The trio broke down barriers in a male-heavy sports landscape, showing that women could compete at an elite level and be recognized for their skill and talent. Their courage in confronting societal expectations for women and athletes helped pave the way for greater recognition of women’s sports, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Their legacies are felt not only in basketball history but also in the cultural shifts they helped bring about, pushing for greater recognition of women’s sports, and creating pathways for future generations of athletes.

About Jessica Kleinschmidt

Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.