Since the founding of the USAs National Basketball League (NBA) in 1946, it has produced many of the coolest, most athletic and best-paid sports stars ever. And, in 1996, the women's game took off, equally producing incredible players who have been hugely inspiring and taking the game to greater heights. Here, we profile 50 of the greatest ever to step foot inside the basketball court and create sporting magic with their power, speed, athleticism, and pure slam-dunking artistry.

From Wilt Chamberlain to Steph Curry and Lisa Leslie to Diana Taurasi, you'll get an ultra-cool snapshot of the VIPs of the game, spanning the entire history of these two epic leagues. With complete set of career stats at your fingertips, you'll see why these stars stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
 
Welbeck, 2024, age 8