Tunnel Vision: Fashion's Newest Obsession
The reality is, the WNBA has always been full of talent, electric, and worth the watch. But in the past couple years something has shifted, beyond what’s just happening on the court. We have been unknowingly waiting for this moment to come.The WNBA has entered its fashion era, full send, and I’m here for it.
Let’s think back to the 2024 WNBA Draft. Paige Bueckers, who wasn't even a draftee, showed up and showed out in support of her UConn teammates, Nika Muhl and Aaliyah Edwards. She managed to turn the whole event into an iconic fashion moment we have yet to forget. Styled by Brittany Hampton, Bueckers showed up in an all-white Louis Vuitton fit that had people raving for weeks. Meanwhile, Nika Muhl stepped onto the carpet classy and confident wearing a sleek two piece set by Rotate. Two young, influential players made the fashion world pay attention to women's basketball in a way it hadn't before.
Fast forward to the ‘25 Draft, you could feel the fashion impact compared to years prior. The Draft had leveled up into what one writer called "the biggest sports-fashion-beauty showcase to date." The projected #1 pick, Paige Bueckers, had not one but TWO looks. A sparkly custom Coach suit for the orange carpet, then a crisp black Louis Vuitton tux for when her name was called. Brittany Hampton is clearly the fashion MVP of this story, and she deserves all the flowers.
The night also featured a fabulous Dominique Malonga also in a Louis Vuitton fit and Kiki Iriafen in a custom look rooted in her Nigerian heritage (which Bueckers said was the best outfit of the night, love us a girls girl!)
Okay, but let’s talk about Coach for a minute?
The W announced a multi-year partnership with Coach on the morning of the ‘25 Draft. This was the league's first ever luxury handbag official partner. And we're not talking about a one off event. This is a thoughtful and meaningful partnership. A partnership that tells the rest of the fashion world: yes, the WNBA is here, staying, and deserves a seat at the table.
And then there's the infamous tunnel.
If you're not already obsessing over WNBA tunnel fits, where have you been? It has become one of the most anticipated fashion moments in all of sports. Suits, designer bags, streetwear, and thigh high slits. These are not "I just threw on something on" outfits but statement looks. Teams post them on their official social media pages. LeagueFits on Instagram with over one million followers are featuring W players. Fans are tuning in before the game to see what their favorites are wearing. It’s a full cultural shift.
Did you think I would skip over the 2026 Met Gala?
A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese all walked the Met carpet and the internet, me included, lost it (in the best way). Paige wore a black Coach suit with hand painted brush stroke details and a stitched in #5. A'ja stepped through in a gold textured Prabal Gurung gown with cape sleeves and diamond chokers. She did not come to play as she was on the host committee and not just an attendee. Angel Reese, on her third Met appearance, wore a custom pink off-the-shoulder Altuzarra gown. These players did not get lucky with an invite, they are prominent assents to the fashion space. And let’s not forget, Angel was the first WNBA rookie ever to attend the Met back in 2024.
Who do you think had the best look of the night? And who would you want to see next year?
The crazy part is, we're still in the early chapters and that is the most exciting aspect of it all.
The WNBA has Skims, Mielle Organics, and Coach. I can’t even put into words what the next 5 years could look like if things continue at this rate. I foresee an increase in luxury partnerships, player campaigns outside of strictly sports media, and, of course, stunning tunnel fits pulling new fans into the evergrowing stands. Women's basketball players have had style. They were just lacking the platform and proper partnerships to show it off. That changes now.
Fashion isn't a distraction from the game. For the W, it's become one of the most powerful tools for growing it. Plus, these women deserve every partnership, campaign, and red/orange carpet moment coming their way.
Written by Diana Alushaj for Open Look Media | Follow us for more women's basketball coverage