Since the WNBA‘s launch, the Finals MVP award has been given annually to the player who makes the biggest impact in the championship series.
In 2024, the New York Liberty captured their first WNBA title after an intense five-game series against the Minnesota Lynx.
Jonquel Jones was instrumental throughout the Finals and was named the MVP for the first time. She was joined by key teammates Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, who also played major roles during the season and playoffs.
Players with multiple Finals MVP awards
Several players have won the Finals MVP more than once. Cynthia Cooper dominated the award’s early years with four straight MVP honors while playing for the Houston Comets.
Following her, Lisa Leslie earned back-to-back MVP awards with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Other multiple-time winners include Diana Taurasi, Sylvia Fowles, and Breanna Stewart, each claiming two MVP titles.
The Finals MVP award has mainly been won by American players, but three international stars have also received it: Lauren Jackson from Australia (2010), Emma Meesseman from Belgium (2019), and Jonquel Jones, a Bahamian who also represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally (2024).
This award showcases not only individual skill but also how the league’s competitive balance has evolved. While early years saw dynasties like the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks, recent seasons have featured a variety of champions and MVP winners.
For instance, the Detroit Shock won three championships over six years with three different players earning Finals MVP honors, highlighting the league’s depth.
WNBA Finals MVP winners by year
- 2024: Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty
- 2023: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
- 2022: Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas Aces
- 2021: Kahleah Copper, Chicago Sky
- 2020: Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
- 2019: Emma Meesseman, Washington Mystics
- 2018: Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
- 2017: Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx
- 2016: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2015: Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx
- 2014: Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
- 2013: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
- 2012: Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever
- 2011: Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx
- 2010: Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
- 2009: Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
- 2008: Katie Smith, Detroit Shock
- 2007: Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix Mercury
- 2006: Deanna Nolan, Detroit Shock
- 2005: Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs
- 2004: Betty Lennox, Seattle Storm
- 2003: Ruth Riley, Detroit Shock
- 2002: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2001: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2000: Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- 1999: Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- 1998: Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
- 1997: Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets
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