The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has long been considered an underdog in the world of professional sports leagues. Despite nearly three decades of history, the league has struggled to turn a profit for a single season. Many players, team owners, and coaches attribute this to a lack of promotion and overall support from the NBA, its parent company. However, the tide may be turning for the WNBA this season, with rookie players Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark making waves as they enter the league following record-breaking NCAA seasons.
This season has seen a significant increase in viewership for the WNBA, with an average of 1.3 million at-home audiences per game across all platforms, the highest in 26 years. This surge in interest could be a sign of a brighter future for the league. One area where the WNBA may be able to compete is in the realm of fashion. The NBA tunnel has become a runway of sorts for fashion designers and players to showcase their style, going beyond just sneakers and jerseys. Game day looks and courtside attire have become major talking points for fans, with NBA players like Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook emerging as fashion icons off the court.
The question now is whether the WNBA can benefit from this synergy with the fashion world, much like the NBA has. Some players and coaches in women’s basketball have already made a significant impression in the fashion scene. One standout is legendary coach Dawn Staley, who is known for her love of Louis Vuitton. Staley, who led Team USA to a gold medal in women’s basketball at the Tokyo Olympics, has been nicknamed “Louis Vuitton Dawn” for her stylish ensembles on and off the court.
Another player making waves in the fashion world is Caitlin Clark, who has been dubbed the “female Stephen Curry” for her impressive basketball skills. Clark made history on draft night by wearing head-to-toe Prada, marking the first time the brand had dressed any basketball player in the WNBA or NBA. Her fashion choices have garnered attention and hint at the impact major WNBA players can have off the court.
Angel Reese, another rising star in the WNBA, made headlines by becoming the first player from the league to walk the red carpet at the Met Gala. Reese stunned in a mint green chiffon dress with a feather tutu-style skirt, showcasing her fashion-forward style. Despite some criticism for attending the event the night before a game, Reese’s appearance at the Met Gala highlighted the growing influence of WNBA players in the fashion world.
Overall, the increased viewership and growing interest in the fashion choices of WNBA players suggest a promising future for the league. As players like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Dawn Staley continue to make waves both on and off the court, the WNBA’s presence in the world of sports and fashion is only set to grow.
