In a bold and surprising statement, WNBA star Brittney Griner has claimed that the WNBA will become bigger than the NFL within the next five years. The Phoenix Mercury center believes that the league’s popularity is skyrocketing, and she credits much of this future success to rising basketball sensation Angel Reese.
While the NFL has long been America’s most dominant and profitable sports league, Griner argues that a new era of women’s basketball is coming—one that will see the WNBA reach unprecedented levels of viewership, revenue, and cultural influence.
Angel Reese: The Future of the WNBA
Angel Reese, a young and charismatic forward who made a name for herself in college basketball at LSU, has taken the sports world by storm. Known for her confidence, dominant playing style, and ability to capture the attention of fans, Reese has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball.
Griner firmly believes that Reese’s charismatic personality and elite talent will drive a massive increase in interest in the WNBA.
“Angel Reese is changing the game,” Griner stated in a recent interview. “She has the confidence, the skills, and the personality to bring millions of new fans to the WNBA. People love watching her play, and she’s inspiring a new generation of athletes. That’s why I believe the WNBA will surpass the NFL in five years.”
While many sports analysts might scoff at the idea of the WNBA surpassing the NFL, Griner laid out key reasons why she believes this shift will happen:
1. Rising Popularity of Women’s Basketball
The WNBA has seen a significant increase in viewership and fan engagement over the last few years. College stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese have created massive interest in women’s basketball, drawing millions of viewers to their games. As these players transition into the WNBA, the league is expected to experience a surge in popularity.
2. Social Media Power and Cultural Impact
Angel Reese, along with other rising stars, has leveraged social media to connect with younger audiences. TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have allowed WNBA players to build their brands, engage with fans, and gain mainstream media attention. In today’s digital era, personality-driven sports leagues can grow at an unprecedented rate, and Griner believes the WNBA is positioned perfectly for this shift.
3. Expanding Media Coverage
Major networks like ESPN, CBS, and Amazon Prime are increasing their coverage of the WNBA. The recent March Madness tournaments featuring Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark shattered viewership records, proving that fans want to watch women’s basketball. With bigger TV deals and sponsorships, the WNBA is on track to become a major player in the sports industry.
4. Growing Fan Support for Women’s Sports
Over the past decade, women’s sports have gained greater recognition and respect. The success of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, the rise of women’s MMA, and the increasing support for the WNBA all point to a cultural shift in how women’s sports are viewed. More investment, larger crowds, and higher salaries are making the league more competitive and exciting for fans.
Challenges Ahead: Can the WNBA Truly Overtake the NFL?
Despite Griner’s confidence, many experts argue that the NFL’s dominance is nearly impossible to overcome. The NFL generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, with massive television contracts, international expansion, and a deeply ingrained fanbase. Football is also considered America’s most beloved sport, with Super Bowl viewership consistently surpassing 100 million people.
However, Griner believes that cultural shifts and the rise of new stars like Angel Reese could make the WNBA the next big thing in sports.
“I know people will doubt it, but the WNBA is growing fast,” Griner said. “We have the talent, the fans, and the momentum. Five years from now, don’t be surprised if the WNBA is the biggest league in the country.”
Final Thoughts
Brittney Griner’s prediction is certainly bold, but it speaks to the excitement surrounding the future of the WNBA. With young stars like Angel Reese leading the way, the league is experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity.
Will the WNBA truly surpass the NFL in five years? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: women’s basketball is here to stay, and its future has never looked brighter.
