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14 WNBA Stars Who Never Backed Down From a Fight

The WNBA isn’t just about flashy passes and game-winning shots—it’s also packed with players who bring fire, grit, and absolutely zero tolerance for nonsense. Whether it’s jawing with opponents, getting into heated moments, or just playing with an edge that lets everyone know they won’t be pushed around, these women brought the heat.

This list is all about those WNBA stars who played like they had something to prove—and never backed down from a bit of drama. They were bold, confident, and often the type of player you loved if they were on your team and loathed if they weren’t.

14. Jacy Sheldon

Jun 18, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Sheldon may be a role player, but she carries herself like a seasoned vet with something to say. She’s fearless, vocal, and doesn’t hesitate to stand up to anyone on the floor.

13. Natasha Cloud

Jun 22, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud (9) dives for a loose ball during the second half against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Cloud is vocal, intense, and unapologetically competitive—on and off the court. She’ll call you out and shut you down in the same breath.

12. Angel Reese

Jun 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half at Wintrust Arena.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Reese came into the league with swagger and a chip on her shoulder, ready to prove she belonged. She plays with intensity, talks her talk, and dares anyone to test her toughness.

11. Sylvia Fowles

Jul 14, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA center Sylvia Fowles (13) drives against WNBA All Star forward Brionna Jones (42) during the WNBA All Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Fowles had a calm demeanor, but she didn’t take disrespect lightly. If you crossed the line, she had no problem checking you on the scoreboard and otherwise.

10. Diana Taurasi

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) against the Chicago Sky during game two of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 97-68.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Taurasi could’ve made this list five times over—trash talk, hard fouls, and iconic staredowns are kind of her thing. She was the WNBA’s queen of not backing down.

9. Liz Cambage

Jul 27, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team Wilson forward Liz Cambage celebrates after Team Wilson defeated Team Delle Donne in the WNBA All Star Game at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Cambage brought elite skill and pure intimidation. She never shied away from confrontation and made sure you knew exactly how she felt.

8. Chennedy Carter

Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) brings the ball up court against the Las Vegas Aces during the first half at Wintrust Arena.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Carter played like every game is personal and every possession is a battle. She was explosive, fearless, and fully leaned into the smoke.

7. DeWanna Bonner

Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) shoots against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a WNBA game at United Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bonner’s length made her a nightmare defensively, but her edge made her even more dangerous. She never hesitated to get scrappy when the moment called for it.

6. Angel McCoughtry

July 30, 2010; Uncasville, CT, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry (35) reacts to a call as they take on the Connecticut Sun during the first half at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The Atlanta Dream defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-62.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

McCoughtry had swagger, bite, and no tolerance for nonsense. If things got heated, she was always in the center of it, ready to stand tall.

5. Marina Mabrey

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) dribbles the ball while Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Mabrey plays with a visible chip on her shoulder and lets her emotions fuel her fire. She’s not here to make friends—she’s here to win and won’t hesitate to clap back.

4. Courtney Williams

Jun 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Williams plays with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of attitude. She’s fast, feisty, and always down for a bit of drama if it sparks a win.

Read More: Angel Reese’s Former Teammate Sends WNBA a Bold Reminder

3. Tina Charles

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) dribbles the ball while Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Charles never played scared and wasn’t afraid to send a message with a hard screen or a power move in the paint. She brought old-school toughness to the modern game.

Read More: 18 WNBA Players Who Took Trash Talk to the Next Level

2. Brittney Griner

Oct 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots against the Chicago Sky during the first half of game two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center.
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Griner has always been a force—both physically and mentally—and never shied away from on-court confrontations. Whether it’s blocking shots or throwing elbows, she’s never one to back down.

Read More: Angel Reese’s Comments Fire Up Dewanna Bonner’s Fever Rift

1. Sophie Cunningham

Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena.
Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Cunningham is the definition of “love her or hate her.” She talks, she barks, and she plays like every foul is worth the message it sends. 

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