The WNBA is filled with talent, from game-changing skills to impressive personalities that draw fans worldwide. These ten players aren’t just at the top of their game on the court; they also have the star appeal and brand presence to maximize their earning potential. Here’s a look at the hottest WNBA players heading into the 2025 season.
The Top 10 Hottest WNBA Players Going into the 2025 Season
1. Sabrina Ionescu – New York Liberty
- Performance on the Court: Ionescu has established herself as one of the premier playmakers in the WNBA. Known for her shooting, passing, and court vision, Sabrina’s stats speak for themselves, making her one of the hottest WNBA players in the league.
- Marketability: As a New York Liberty star, she’s already a household name with sponsorship deals that make her one of the highest-paid players off the court. She’s signed with Nike and is known for her high social media engagement.
2. A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
- Performance on the Court: A two-time MVP, Wilson dominates in both scoring and defense. With her powerhouse status on the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson consistently ranks among the league’s top players, and her winning mindset is infectious.
- Marketability: Wilson is a fan favorite and has partnerships with brands like Mountain Dew and Wilson Sporting Goods. Her strong brand presence means she could command a higher earning potential if she considers the Unrivaled League as an option for additional exposure.
3. Cameron Brink – Stanford Cardinal (WNBA Draft Eligible)
Performance on the Court: Cameron Brink has made a name for herself as one of the most dominant forwards in college basketball. Known for her impressive shot-blocking, rebounding, and offensive versatility, she’s an imposing figure on the court at 6’4″. As a key player for Stanford, Brink’s skillset and physical presence have helped her team reach new heights, and she’s highly anticipated to make a splash in the WNBA after she’s eligible for the draft. Her ability to play both ends of the court effectively makes her one of the most intriguing prospects in women’s basketball.
Marketability: Brink’s combination of athletic prowess and natural charisma gives her an edge as a marketable player. With her height, blonde hair, and confident style, she’s already drawing attention from brands interested in connecting with the women’s sports audience. Her strong social media following and dedication to promoting women’s basketball make her an appealing figure for endorsements. As she transitions to the WNBA, Cameron is likely to be one of the league’s emerging stars, with ample potential to earn beyond her WNBA salary, especially with new avenues like the Unrivaled League aiming to provide increased financial opportunities.
4. Skylar Diggins-Smith – Phoenix Mercury
- Performance on the Court: Diggins-Smith is one of the most skilled point guards in the WNBA, known for her scoring and playmaking abilities. Her aggressive style and scoring make her a force in every game.
- Marketability: With a high social media following and partnerships with major brands, Skylar is one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA. Her strong following and market appeal make her a prime candidate for maximizing earnings outside the WNBA salary cap.
5. Breanna Stewart – New York Liberty
- Performance on the Court: A former MVP and Olympian, Stewart is known for her versatile scoring and rebounding skills. Her talent and leadership have helped redefine success for the Liberty and pushed them into the spotlight.
- Marketability: Breanna has deals with major brands and recently became a mother, giving her even greater media appeal. As one of the hottest WNBA players, she can easily command high earnings in endorsements and appearance deals.
6. Kelsey Plum – Las Vegas Aces
- Performance on the Court: Plum has transformed into a lethal scorer and leader on the court, earning her place among the hottest WNBA players going into 2025. Her sharp shooting and energetic style make her an essential player for the Aces.
- Marketability: Known for her wit and candid personality, Plum has partnerships with companies like Nike and Under Armour. With the potential of the Unrivaled league offering higher payouts, her star status could grow even further.
7. Elena Delle Donne – Washington Mystics
- Performance on the Court: Delle Donne’s shooting ability, leadership, and skill make her one of the league’s most popular and respected players. Her return to form in recent seasons has reinvigorated the Mystics.
- Marketability: Her brand power is unparalleled, as she’s signed with Nike and other high-profile sponsors. Known for her resilience, Elena’s visibility in the sports world only continues to grow.
8. Kahleah Copper – Chicago Sky
- Performance on the Court: Copper’s dynamic play has been a game-changer for the Sky, especially during playoff runs. She’s a top scorer and brings energy to every game, making her a fan favorite.
- Marketability: With her star on the rise, Copper has become a marketable player with a compelling story of resilience. Her growing popularity and dynamic play style make her a hot prospect for brand partnerships.
9. Katie Lou Samuelson – Los Angeles Sparks
Performance on the Court: Katie Lou Samuelson is known for her sharpshooting ability and basketball IQ, making her a valuable asset for the Sparks. Her impressive range and reliable scoring add a significant layer to her team’s offense, while her height (6’3″) gives her a versatile edge, allowing her to play multiple positions effectively.
Marketability: With her eye-catching looks and stylish presence, Katie Lou has become a popular figure in the WNBA and on social media. She’s partnered with brands and actively engages her fans, leveraging her athletic achievements and unique fashion sense. Her California vibe and blonde locks have made her a standout in the league, appealing to brands interested in connecting with diverse audiences.
10. Lexie Hull – Indiana Fever
Performance on the Court: Lexie Hull, a standout guard for the Indiana Fever, is known for her hustle, three-point shooting, and intense defensive skills. A former Stanford star, Hull’s journey to the WNBA was marked by consistent excellence on both ends of the floor. Her ability to drain shots from deep, combined with her defensive tenacity, has made her a valuable asset for the Fever and a fan favorite for her relentless work ethic. Hull’s versatile skill set allows her to adapt to various roles, making her a key player to watch as she continues to develop in the league.
Marketability: Lexie Hull’s girl-next-door charm and standout skills on the court give her strong appeal among fans and brands alike. With her blonde hair, approachable personality, and steady performance, she resonates with a broad audience. Her clean-cut image and athletic talent have made her an attractive prospect for endorsements, particularly for brands looking to highlight authenticity and resilience. Additionally, with new leagues like the Unrivaled League offering players financial opportunities beyond the WNBA, Hull stands to increase her earning potential by leveraging her image and presence on social media. Her marketability, combined with her skills, positions her as an influential figure in women’s sports fashion, with the potential to inspire fans and contribute to evolving trends.
The Rising Financial Opportunities in the Unrivaled League
With the emergence of the Unrivaled League, many of these athletes are finding additional pathways to maximize their earning potential. This league aims to offer higher salaries and additional perks like equity shares, attracting star players who seek compensation reflective of their impact and skill. This potential to earn more than a standard WNBA salary while still building their brands is an enticing option for some of the hottest WNBA players who have already established themselves as household names.
Influence in Fashion and Culture
WNBA players don’t just make waves on the court; they also influence the fashion world. From the stylish pre-game outfits they showcase to collaborations with major brands, these athletes have become icons in their own right. Many of the hottest WNBA players like Sabrina Ionescu, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Kahleah Copper have partnerships with sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas, and their style choices off the court have made them trendsetters in the sports community.
Unique Styles and Brand Partnerships:
- Sabrina Ionescu has embraced a minimalist style with sleek lines and monochromatic palettes, resonating with fans who appreciate a more refined look.
- Skylar Diggins-Smith often showcases bold, athletic-inspired pieces, aligning her style with high-energy streetwear aesthetics.
- Kahleah Copper combines edgy, urban styles with eye-catching statement pieces, influencing fans who favor a bolder approach.
As more athletes enter the world of fashion, these partnerships have expanded beyond athletic gear, pushing the boundaries of streetwear. For fans, the hottest WNBA players inspire them not only in gameplay but in self-expression, as they embody confidence through style choices that align with their on-court personalities.
Tattoos and Self-Expression in the WNBA
Tattoos have become a powerful element of sports culture, and WNBA players are leading the way. According to TattooPics.org, the ink proudly displayed by many WNBA stars goes beyond body art—it’s a statement of identity and empowerment.
- Arike Ogunbowale sports tattoos that reflect her journey and challenges, resonating with fans who value perseverance.
- A’ja Wilson has a tattoo symbolizing her hometown of Hopkins, South Carolina, a tribute to her roots that shows fans her connection to her origins.
- Jewell Loyd has artwork dedicated to her faith and family, showing how much her personal life means to her achievements.
This visible self-expression helps fans feel closer to players, as the tattoos often tell stories about each athlete’s values and experiences. It also reflects the evolving culture of the league, as each player’s tattoos add to the tapestry of the WNBA’s unique identity.
Fan Preferences: Blonde, Brunette, or Bold Personalities?
When it comes to fan preferences, it’s not just about hair color or appearance but the personality and character that a player brings to the game. However, certain trends are worth noting:
- Blondes like Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum often capture attention for their effortless style and charisma, which aligns with an “all-American” image in the sports world.
- Brunettes like Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd exude a strong, grounded persona that appeals to fans who appreciate steady, reliable leadership.
- Bold personalities like Skylar Diggins-Smith resonate widely, regardless of physical characteristics, as her fiery personality and commitment to self-expression make her stand out.
Fans gravitate towards players who showcase authenticity, which often translates into a blend of physical appearance and personality traits. The hottest WNBA players bring more than just skills to the table—they bring relatable stories, stylish presence, and individuality that fans can connect with on a personal level.
Trends and Future Influence
As the WNBA grows, these athletes continue to shape trends and set standards not only in basketball but across broader sports culture. Whether it’s through fashion, self-expression via tattoos or the unique qualities each player brings to the court, these women are redefining what it means to be a star athlete. From game-day attire to personal stories etched in ink, the hottest WNBA players are shaping the future of sports and influence in ways that transcend the court.
