Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Breanna Stewart

Discover the career path of Breanna Stewart, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Breanna Stewart, nicknamed "Stewie", is a highly decorated American professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Known as one of the most accomplished figures in women's basketball, Stewart has achieved considerable success in her career. Beyond her on-court accomplishments, she is also a founder of the Unrivaled basketball league, alongside Napheesa Collier.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1987: Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four

In March 2013, Breanna Stewart won the award of the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, the first freshman to win the award since 1987.

2004: Lisa Leslie's defensive rebounds record

In 2016, Breanna Stewart broke the WNBA record for most defensive rebounds in a season with 277 defensive rebounds (surpassing Lisa Leslie's record in 2004).

2010: Stewart Wins Gold at FIBA U17 World Championship

In 2010, Breanna Stewart continued with the USA U17 team, winning all eight games and securing the gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women. She started in all eight games and played a crucial role in the team's success.

2010: Stewart Joins USA Basketball U16 Team

In 2010, at age 14, Breanna Stewart was selected for the USA Basketball U16 team. Despite initial concerns from her parents, she joined the team and started in all five games, helping them win the gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship for Women in Mexico City and securing a bid to the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship.

2010: USA U18 Team Earns Bid to U19 World Championship

In 2010, the USA U18 team won the Americas Championship, earning an automatic bid to the 2011 U19 World Championship, setting the stage for Breanna Stewart's participation in the tournament.

2010: First WNBA Finals since 2010

In 2018, Breanna Stewart helped the Storm advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

2011: Stewart Competes at Pan American Games

In 2011, Breanna Stewart competed for the United States at the Pan American Games, being the only high school player chosen for the team. This marked only the second time in history that a high school player was selected for the USA Pan American team, with Nancy Lieberman being the first in 1975.

2011: Stewart Named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

In 2011, Breanna Stewart was named the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. This recognition was due to her outstanding performance on the U19 team and the Pan American team, where she led in points, rebounds, and blocks, securing a gold medal at the international competition and earning a spot on the all-tournament team.

2011: Stewart Selected for USA Basketball U19 Team

In 2011, Breanna Stewart was selected for the USA Basketball U19 team, which competed in the U19 World Championship in Chile. Despite a loss to Canada, the team won against France and Brazil, ultimately securing the gold medal against Spain. Stewart was one of the youngest players but led the team in scoring with 11.2 points per game and was named to the all-tournament team.

2011: Stewart on USA Women's Pan American Games team

In 2011, Breanna Stewart was the youngest player on the USA Women's Pan American Games team, being the only high school player. Despite her age, she had the most international experience on the team.

2011: Commitment to UConn

In 2011, after visiting UConn, Breanna Stewart committed to the University of Connecticut and signed her commitment letter.

2011: Stewart Leads Pan American Team in Scoring

In 2011, during the Pan American Games, Breanna Stewart led the USA team in scoring with 15.4 points per game, despite being almost three years younger than the next youngest player. She also led the team in blocks and rebounds, showcasing her exceptional talent.

January 31, 2012: 2,000th Point Milestone

On January 31, 2012, Breanna Stewart scored her 2,000th point during a 31–0 run against Auburn.

August 2012: USA Wins Gold at FIBA Americas U-18 National Championship

In August 2012, Breanna Stewart and teammates Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck competed in the FIBA Americas U-18 National Championship in Puerto Rico. The USA team won the gold medal after defeating Brazil 71–47.

March 2013: Intensive Training Sessions and Big East Tournament Performance

In March 2013, Breanna Stewart began early morning training sessions and came back strong in the Big East tournament, matching Diana Taurasi's tournament debut score.

July 2013: Stewart Plays in U19 World Championship for Women

In July 2013, Breanna Stewart, along with teammates Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck, was selected to represent the US at the U19 World Championship for Women held in Lithuania.

September 23, 2014: Stewart Makes Final Roster for FIBA World Championship

On September 23, 2014, Breanna Stewart was announced as part of the final roster of 12 players for the U.S. Women's FIBA World Championship, marking a significant achievement in her career.

October 2014: Stewart Wins Gold Medal at FIBA World Championship

In October 2014, Breanna Stewart won the gold medal with the USA team at the FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey, adding to her list of accomplishments.

2014: AAC Player of the Year Honors

In 2014, Breanna Stewart earned American Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors for the second straight year.

2014: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2014, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup as a member of the U.S. women's national team.

2014: American Athletic Conference Player of the Year

In the 2013–2014 season, Breanna Stewart was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and AP Player of the Year.

2015: Continued Success and Stats

During UConn's nine-game run through the 2014-2015 postseason, Breanna Stewart averaged 18.1 points and 10.7 rebounds with a 53.3% shooting accuracy.

2015: Stewart Participates in Pan American Games

In 2015, Breanna Stewart was a member of the USA Women's Pan American Team, participating in basketball at the games held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from July 10 to 26. The team won several games but lost the gold-medal game to Canada.

2016: Stewart Signs Endorsement Deal with Nike

In 2016, Breanna Stewart signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, marking a significant partnership with the major athletic brand.

2016: WNBA Debut, Rookie of the Year, and ESPY Awards

In 2016, Breanna Stewart was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm, made an immediate impact, won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, and won the 2016 ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete and Best Women's College Basketball Player.

2016: First Overall WNBA Draft Pick and Rookie of the Year

In 2016, Breanna Stewart was the first overall pick in the WNBA draft and was named the 2016 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. women's national team at the Olympics.

2016: Stewart Wins Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Breanna Stewart won the gold medal with Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She joined a select group of female basketball players who have won NCAA titles, WNBA Championships, and Olympic gold medals.

2016: Stewart Signs with Shanghai Baoshan Dahua

In 2016, during her rookie season, Breanna Stewart signed with Shanghai Baoshan Dahua of the WCBA for the 2016–17 Chinese season, marking her debut in international professional basketball.

August 5, 2017: Season-High 32 Points

On August 5, 2017, Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 32 points in an 87–80 overtime loss to the San Antonio Stars.

2017: Stewart Re-signs with Shanghai Baoshan Dahua

In 2017, Breanna Stewart re-signed with Shanghai Baoshan Dahua for the 2017–18 WCBA season, continuing her career in the Chinese league.

2017: WNBA All-Star Selection

In 2017, Breanna Stewart was named an All-Star.

June 2018: Stewart Signs with Dynamo Kursk

In June 2018, Breanna Stewart signed with Dynamo Kursk of the Russian Premier League, expanding her professional career internationally.

August 6, 2018: Season-High 32 Points Against the New York Liberty

On August 6, 2018, Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 32 points in a 96–80 victory over the New York Liberty.

2018: WNBA MVP and Championship

In 2018, Breanna Stewart was named the WNBA MVP and led the Storm to a championship.

2018: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2018, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup as a member of the U.S. women's national team.

2019: Stewart Plays for UMMC Ekaterinburg

Breanna Stewart played for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the 2019-2020 European basketball season.

2019: Torn Achilles Injury and Ambassador Role

In 2019, Breanna Stewart missed the entire WNBA season after suffering a torn Achilles injury while playing for Dynamo Kursk and became a paid ambassador for the league.

February 2020: Stewart Signs with UMMC Ekaterinburg

In February 2020, Breanna Stewart signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg for the remainder of the 2019–20 European season, adding another chapter to her international career.

July 2020: Return to Playing and Second Title

In July 2020, Breanna Stewart returned to playing after injury, rejoined her teammates, and won her second title with the Storm and was named the 2020 WNBA Finals MVP.

November 2020: Stewart Re-signs with UMMC Ekaterinburg

In November 2020, Breanna Stewart re-signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg for the 2020–21 European season, continuing her professional basketball career in Russia.

2020: Second Championship with the Storm

In 2020, Breanna Stewart led the Storm to their second championship.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. women's national team at the Olympics.

2020: Stewart Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Breanna Stewart won her second gold medal, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. She was named the Olympic Tournament's Most Valuable Player and to the FIBA's All-Star Five team.

2021: Named to The W25

During the WNBA's 25th season in 2021, Breanna Stewart was named to The W25 as one of the top 25 players in league history.

2021: Stewart Signs Sponsorship with Puma

In 2021, Breanna Stewart signed a multi-year sponsorship with Puma, setting the stage for future collaborations and signature products.

2021: WNBA All-Star Selection and The W25

In 2021, Breanna Stewart was named an All-Star and was named to The W25 as one of the top 25 players of the WNBA's first 25 years.

July 2022: Stewart Signs with Fenerbahçe SK

On July 1, 2022, Breanna Stewart signed with Fenerbahçe SK for the EuroLeague Women season, continuing her international basketball career.

September 2022: Stewart Releases Signature Shoe with Puma

In September 2022, Breanna Stewart released the Stewie 1 Quiet Fire, Puma's first female signature shoes in over a decade, marking a major achievement in her endorsement career.

2022: WNBA All-Star Selection

In 2022, Breanna Stewart was named an All-Star.

2022: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2022, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup as a member of the U.S. women's national team.

February 1, 2023: Stewart Signed with New York Liberty

On February 1, 2023, Breanna Stewart signed with the New York Liberty as a free agent, marking a new chapter in her WNBA career.

May 21, 2023: Stewart Sets Franchise Record in Home Opener

On May 21, 2023, in her debut home opener against the Indiana Fever, Breanna Stewart scored 45 points, setting a new franchise record for most points scored in a single game by a player for the New York Liberty. She also set a franchise record with 15 field goals made and achieved a career high in scoring and three-pointers made.

July 2023: Stewart and Collier Founded Unrivaled League

In July 2023, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier founded Unrivaled, a new professional women's 3-on-3 basketball league, aiming to provide a domestic playing option for WNBA players during the offseason.

2023: WNBA MVP

In 2023, Breanna Stewart was named WNBA MVP.

June 2024: Stewart Named to Third Olympic Team

In June 2024, Breanna Stewart was named to her third US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, alongside fellow Liberty teammate, Sabrina Ionescu.

July 9, 2024: Stewart Announced to Play in Unrivaled League

On July 9, 2024, it was formally announced that Breanna Stewart would play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league she founded with Napheesa Collier in July 2023. She plays for the Mist and scored the first basket in league history.

July 2024: Ally Financial Becomes Unrivaled's Founding Partner

In July 2024, Ally Financial was announced as Unrivaled's first and founding brand partner. Simultaneously, Breanna Stewart signed with and joined Team Ally as an athlete, further solidifying the league's foundations.

October 20, 2024: New York Liberty Wins First WNBA Championship

On October 20, 2024, the New York Liberty secured their first-ever WNBA Championship in franchise history, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a 3-2 Finals series, marking a significant career milestone for Breanna Stewart and the team.

2024: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Breanna Stewart won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. women's national team at the Olympics.

January 2025: Unrivaled Inaugural Season Begins

In January 2025, the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, began in Miami, Florida, marking a significant milestone in women's professional sports.