It’s great to witness the ladies of the WNBA continue to realize their fullest potential on and off the court. The Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese is no exception, as she is fresh off the heels of walking in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Reese is the first WNBA player to ever participate, and within that, she was able to add her beauty and personality to the production. The opportunity for her stood out to me because it occurred to me that not just any WNBA player could participate in this show. It takes grace, confidence and a certain swagger to convey the sensuality and joy that the show is supposed to exude.
Some people just have ‘it’
When I juxtapose those qualities with who the WNBA deems as their meal ticket in Caitlin Clark, it was glaring to me that Clark’s stardom sort of ends on the court. For the record, that’s perfectly fine. But I would imagine that the WNBA would absolutely love if Clark’s stardom could translate into avenues like fashion shows. That isn’t to say that it won’t ever happen, but that type of thing doesn’t seem to fit her personality. On the court, she has all the swagger in the world and deservedly so. But engaging contemporary culture when you’re in street clothes? Reese has that all in check.
As much as Clark may have a more refined game on the court, I just see Reese excelling through more avenues. I see a bright future for her in movies, commercials and fashion. Part of my belief in this is simply an inherent swagger that I believe she possesses. It’s something I feel most Black players have. We’re just people who have always moved the cultural needle. There’s precedent as well. When you consider the ball of charisma that A’Ja Wilson is, it’s an example that the best player in the league can also be marketed in a myriad of ways by way of her play and personality.
A change of plans might be necessary
Much is made about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert playing favorites in the league. Most players in the league tend to think that it’s Clark whom she would rather build the league’s marketing around. But the ladies of the WNBA understand the true potential that many of them have to continue to grow their league. There’s star power all over it. Reese is just the latest to break new ground in promoting the league.
If you ask me, Clark and personalities like hers don’t translate much to off-court engagement. And it’s fine if she isn’t that type. I’m just willing to bet that the WNBA really wishes that she were. If the former Rookie Of The Year is responsible for so much increase in game attendance across the “W,” why not try to capitalize? The answer is simple, as the kids say, it just might not be her body. It’s not for her. If the league realizes this sooner rather than later, I feel that marketing the WNBA would be even more fun.