All-WNBA teams were announced by the league Wednesday and in the cap to her sensational rookie season, Caitlin Clark was named to the first team, earning 52 of a 67 possible votes.
It’s the latest honor for the 2024 Rookie of the Year, who also finished fourth in MVP voting her first professional season after setting numerous WNBA records.
It’s the first time since 2008 that a rookie was selected to the first team. That season, former No. 1 pick Candace Parker was named the 2008 MVP, Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First Team. Since 2000, five rookies have earned First Team honors: Clark (2024), Parker (2008), Diana Taurasi (2004), Sue Bird (2002) and Tamika Catchings (2002).
Joining Clark on the first team were Las Vegas forward and 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson, Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier, New York forward Breanna Stewart and Connecticut forward Alyssa Thomas.
Wilson and Collier were unanimous selections. Collier was named the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, while Wilson was the first unanimous MVP selection since 1997, the year the league debuted. Collier, Wilson and Stewart were also named first team All-Defense.
Voters picking all-WNBA teams, like with the NBA, choose the best players regardless of position.
New York guard Sabrina Ionescu and New York center Jonquel Jones, Phoenix guard Kahleah Copper, Seattle forward Nneka Ogwumike and Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale were named second team.
Schnell is a member of the 67-person voting panel.
Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell
