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Celebrity Style

Who are the WNBA’s best-dressed players off court? From Caitlin Clark’s draft night all-Prada ‘fit, to coach Dawn Staley’s Louis Vuitton obsession and Angel Reese’s dazzling Met Gala dress

STORYGloria Fung
(From left) The WNBA’s Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley and Angel Reese are making an impact on the fashion world as well as the basketball cour. Photos: @justjared/Instagram, @gqsports/Instagram, AP
(From left) The WNBA’s Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley and Angel Reese are making an impact on the fashion world as well as the basketball cour. Photos: @justjared/Instagram, @gqsports/Instagram, AP
Fame and celebrity

  • In their first season, rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have helped drive up WNBA viewership to record levels across all platforms – the highest in 26 years
  • And while the WNBA still isn’t as profitable as the NBA, the fashion world is beginning to pay attention to its top players, and dress them for big events

It’s safe to say that the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been a bit of an underdog in the world of professional sports leagues. With a nearly three-decade history, the league has yet to profit for a single season. Players, team owners and coaches often blame a lack of promotion and overall support from the NBA, its parent company.

However, this season could be a turning point for the league, with rookie players Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark creating a buzz as they enter the WNBA following a record-smashing NCAA season and a final that generated record viewership. The WNBA has tripled its viewers this season, with an average of 1.3 million at-home audiences per game across all platforms, the highest in 26 years, according to a CNBC report.
Creating a buzz at the WNBA are Angel Reese (left) of the Chicago Sky, and (right) Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Creating a buzz at the WNBA are Angel Reese (left) of the Chicago Sky, and (right) Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
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And one front the WNBA might be able to compete on is fashion. The NBA tunnel has become a runway of sorts for fashion designers and players alike to show off their latest designs and style over the years. It is an essential part of the fashion conversation, going beyond trainers and jerseys. Game day looks and courtside attire are major talking points for fans, with NBA players such as Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook emerging as fashion icons off the court.
NBA player Russell Westbrook struts through the tunnel in one of his typically fashionable fits. Photo: @laclippers/Instagram
NBA player Russell Westbrook struts through the tunnel in one of his typically fashionable fits. Photo: @laclippers/Instagram

Can the WNBA benefit from this synergy with the fashion world, the way fashion has broadened the audience for the NBA? In this regard, the WNBA is already off to a good start, as some players and coaches in women’s basketball have already made a big impression. These are the players causing a stir …

Dawn Staley in Louis Vuitton

Legendary coach Dawn Staley loves to wear Louis Vuitton. Photo: @staley05/Instagram
Legendary coach Dawn Staley loves to wear Louis Vuitton. Photo: @staley05/Instagram

Dawn Staley is touted as one of America’s best coaches, and lead Team USA to a gold medal in women’s basketball at the Tokyo Olympics. The former WNBA player and now head coach of the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks brings plenty of game courtside when it comes to fashion, too.

Put it this way, she’s not been nicknamed Louis Vuitton Dawn for nothing. For most of the 2024 season she donned a number of monogrammed looks from the brand, rocking everything from denim jackets to Tyler, The Creator x Louis Vuitton trainers.

Caitlin Clark in Prada at the WNBA draft