By admin 
Today’s WNBA players, aside from their talent on the hardcourt, are more than just athletes. The league’s growth has created an environment in which players are now considered fashion idols and even brand ambassadors.
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Players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink have become popular for more than just what they do on the court; Brink’s brand has grown into something much more than basketball.
Despite the spotlight growing on the W and its players, the reality is that not everyone can maximize the renewed attention. Some have more advantages than others in terms of marketability, and Brink acknowledges this, even explaining that some players are still struggling to make more money off the court.
“It’s really hard to live a lifestyle, especially in an expensive market like L.A. or New York, on a rookie contract,” Brink stated. “I’ve been lucky, and I’ve seen what opportunities can come through pouring yourself into social media.”
“I’ve tried to be vocal about this and acknowledge there’s such a privilege, marketing-wise, being white and blonde, but it does really bother me seeing athletes and players who are consistently putting up crazy stat lines and not being rewarded by brands,” she added.
Personality through fashion
Before the WNBA’s rise and the recent positive changes in the collective bargaining agreement, player salaries, in and of themselves, were not enough. Players utilized endorsements and other business opportunities, while others famously left the league to pursue more lucrative playing opportunities overseas.
But now, with the average salary exceeding $500,000, there is an enormous improvement and a renewed spotlight on individual players. Still, not everyone can maximize the new opportunity to build brands due to market pressures.
The increased spotlight also places more scrutiny on player appearances. There are tons of great players in the W that have become stars for tier teams but have not been as popular as the likes of Brink, Clark and Reese.
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It isn’t to say that there is a lack of trying from everyone. There have been many different ways players have showcased their marketability through fashion, specifically the pre-game tunnel walk culture, which Brink explains is their way of showing their personalities freely.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t care about the way I look, but I’m trying to showcase that more in the outfits I wear,” she said. “I want them to feel like an extension of myself. I don’t want to have to fit into any beauty standard.”
“In the W, we have these tunnel outfits, and we get to be explorative and fun with what we wear. But I want to be clear, it’s not about how I look physically. It’s about my outfit being an extension of me and how I want to show up to work,” added Brink.
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A new era for players
Ultimately, there is great excitement not only among fans but also among players as the league grows into one of the most popular sports in the country. They have more freedom than ever to express themselves and reach millions of fans internationally.
Now comes the harder part: making sure that the opportunities created by this rise benefit everyone, not just some of its most popular stars. Brink, like everyone else, is learning how powerful their platforms and brands can be in making their influence on the game and popular culture last long after their retirements.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 8:52 AM.