• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

The WNBA Rookies Are Creating a New Celebrity Row

  • Kim Kardashian and Latto are among the celebrities going to games early in the season.
  • Celebrities have attended WNBA games for years, but the rookies are drawing new ones to early-season games.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West attended the Los Angeles Sparks’ home opener Wednesday and visited the locker room after the game. They immediately hugged Cameron Brink, who recently appeared in a campaign for the celebrity’s company Skims, and snapped photos with the rookie and her teammates.

It’s not out of the ordinary for a celebrity to attend a WNBA game. Jason Sudeikis can often be found courtside watching the New York Liberty, and LeBron James was one of many big-name athletes to attend last year’s WNBA Finals. But this year, the league’s Celebrity Row has extended beyond avid women’s sports fans. That’s because the rookies in particular are drawing a whole crop of new fans tuning in and showing up to their games, including mainstream celebrities.

The rapper Latto attended the Chicago Sky’s season opener in Dallas on Wednesday, and said multiple times that she came specifically to see Angel Reese. “I love Texas, but I did want to be at her first game. You know, everybody gonna come later, but we did it first,” Latto said.

Reese said after her evening at the Met Gala that big-name celebrities including Usher and Cardi B will come watch her play this year.

“The who’s who are going to be courtside,” Reese said. “I know some people that y’all might not think I know.”

On Thursday, ESPN’s Pat McAfee went to Caitlin Clark’s home opener in Indianapolis. Along with many new WNBA fans, McAfee is quickly becoming aware of the talent in the league, posting on social media from the game: “Has this Liberty team ever lost? B Stew.. Ionescu.. Jones.. Sabally.. Laney-Hamilton This might be the greatest team assembled of all time.” Fans were quick to point out that Kelsey Plum, who has made multiple appearances on McAfee’s show, took down the Liberty in last year’s WNBA Finals.

Athletes are also coming to watch the rookies early in the season. New Chicago Bears Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, selected first and ninth in the NFL draft, showed up to a preseason Sky game alongside teammate Keenan Allen. Several New England Patriots came to Clark’s Tuesday debut in Connecticut, while Dirk Nowitzki and Tyrese Maxey watched the Dallas Wings host the Sky.

Even having played only a game or two in the league, the WNBA’s rookies have become some of its most recognizable athletes. They are the reason why so many people are paying attention to the start of the season, with even more viewers watching Clark’s debut than NHL playoff games. Clark in particular is aware that her fame has raised the profile of the league and has massive potential to move the business forward.

“I’ve had a lot of fun being in the spotlight and helping to grow this game and move it forward. And that’s what I’m going to continue to do,” Clark said before her debut. “But I think I know firsthand how talented this league is, whether it was me as a young kid or whether it’s me now playing here, like how many talented players are in this league. Again, the more we can share the love, the better this league is going to be.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 
Tennessee Volunteers forward Igor Miličić Jr. (7) guards Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) during the second half of a game Sunday, March 30, 2025, during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA March Madness tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Houston defeated Tennessee 69-50.

Sportsbooks Still Hesitant to Dive Into Prediction Markets

Sports betting giants are all monitoring the controversial space.
WNBA

Crypto Group Says It’s Behind WNBA Dildo Epidemic

The group backs a memecoin that launched last week.
Etienne

A ‘College Football RedZone’ Is an ESPN Gold Mine—in Theory

The network would have to strike new deals with its rivals.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.

LAFC’s Record Son Deal Brings Global Buzz and Local Pride

Los Angeles has the largest Korean community in the country.
Apr 6, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Marc Leishman (center) celebrates with his teammates after winning the final round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
August 7, 2025

Trump Golf Courses Secure 2026 Stops on LIV, PGA

For the fifth consecutive year, LIV golf returns to a Trump course.
DiJonai Carrington
August 7, 2025

This WNBA Trade Deadline Could Be League’s Last Snoozer

A new CBA could give GMs more flexibility.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 7, 2025

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.
August 7, 2025

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.
August 6, 2025

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.
Diana Taurasi
August 6, 2025

Diana Taurasi Warns Against WNBA Work Stoppage 

Taurasi saw several key negotiations in her legendary career.