The launch of the 2026 WNBA season is less than a week away, beginning Friday with three games. And the impact of the UConn women’s basketball program will be felt from coast to coast, with alumni scattered on teams across the country. 

ESPN undertook a huge task this week: ranking the 50 top WNBA players in the game today. Rookies and unsigned free agents were not eligible to be selected, leaving No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd out of the equation this time around. 

But there are plenty of UConn players dotting the list assembled by Michael Voepel, Charlie Crème, Kendra Andrews and Kareem Copeland of ESPN. 

There is no surprise at No. 1: A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who played at South Carolina. She is followed by Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, a Maryland product.

And there begins the run on UConn players.

 The quartet of ESPN experts identified six former Huskies among the top 50, if you want to try to guess their names and places on the list before reading on.

No. 3: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
UConn: 2015-19
2025: 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists

ESPN’s quick take: “The Lynx had championship goals after losing in the 2024 Finals, and Collier was leading the charge with career highs in points, blocks (1.5 per game), field goal percentage (53.1%) and was named first-team all-defense for a second consecutive season. All those aspirations came to an end when she tore three ligaments in her ankle in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against Phoenix.” – Copeland

No. 4: Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
UConn: 2012-16
2025: 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists

ESPN’s quick take: “The Liberty went 5-8 last season when Stewart sat out a month because of a bone bruise in her right knee, illuminating her importance to the franchise's success. She was still an All-Star for the seventh time and was a second-team all-defensive selection, remaining the best two-way player in the league after Wilson.” – Crème

No. 8. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
UConn: 2020-25
2025: 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists

ESPN’s quick take: “Her ability to become a top-five player will determine how she can elevate a Dallas team that won only one more game last season than it did in 2024 despite Bueckers' brilliant first year.” –  Crème

No. 24. Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries
UConn: 2014-18
2025: 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists

ESPN’s quick take: “Williams brings her length, quick pace and versatility to Golden State. Already a defensive-minded team, Williams' fit with the Valkyries seems to be perfect on paper.” – Andrews

No. 37. Azura Stevens, Chicago Sky
UConn: 2017-18
2025: 12.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists

“Stevens put together the best year of her career with highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals (1.2) as she was the runner-up for WNBA Most Improved Player. … Stevens has expanded her range with a career-high 4.4 3-point attempts per game last season, making 38.1% of them.” – Copeland 

No. 40. Tiffany Hayes, Golden State Valkyries
UConn: 2008-12
2025: 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists

ESPN’s quick take: “Hayes was an important rotation player for the Valkyries last season. Her veteran presence was crucial for the team in its first year, but she dealt with injuries throughout the season that limited her to just 26 games. … When Hayes is on the court, her attributes can be game-changing. – Andrews

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