For decades, women’s basketball has been striving for recognition in a male-dominated sports landscape. While the WNBA has made significant strides since its inception in 1996, there remains one key question that persists among fans, analysts, and even players themselves: Who is the face of the WNBA?
This question goes beyond simple statistics or records—it’s about who best represents the league’s identity, values, and aspirations. It’s about the player who not only excels on the court but also exemplifies the qualities the WNBA wants to present to the world. The player who draws crowds, attracts media attention, and inspires the next generation of athletes, especially young women, to dream big.
As the league continues to evolve and grow in popularity, the debate has intensified. There have been several prominent players who have left their mark on the WNBA, making it difficult to choose just one face. With superstars like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and, more recently, Sabrina Ionescu and A’ja Wilson, the conversation about who truly represents the league is complex and multifaceted. However, it is time to settle the debate and examine who deserves the distinction of being the face of the WNBA.
The Criteria for Being the ‘Face’ of the WNBA
To begin, let’s define what it means to be the “face” of the WNBA. It’s not just about being a top scorer or winning championships; it’s about embodying the spirit of the league and its growth over time. Some of the most important factors include:
- On-Court Success: Championship wins, individual accolades, and consistency in performance are key metrics for determining who dominates the league. This includes MVP awards, All-Star selections, and other league honors that reflect a player’s ability to influence the game.
- Off-Court Influence: A player’s role in advocating for social justice, promoting women’s sports, and using their platform to elevate the league and its values also plays a critical role in shaping their identity as the face of the WNBA. This includes public speaking, community outreach, and media visibility.
- Marketability: The ability of a player to market themselves is crucial in raising the visibility of the WNBA. Marketability includes sponsorship deals, personal branding, social media presence, and their general appeal to fans. In a world driven by image, the face of a league often has to be one that resonates beyond the sport itself.
- Longevity and Consistency: The face of the league is often someone who has consistently been at the top of their game, not just in spurts but over an extended period. Longevity allows players to build a lasting legacy and helps them stay relevant in the evolving world of sports media.
- Cultural Impact: A player’s influence on society and the culture surrounding women’s basketball is significant. This can include how they serve as role models for young girls and boys, their involvement in activism, and their role in reshaping the narrative around women in sports.
Now, with these criteria in mind, let’s break down the candidates who are often brought up in the debate for being the true “face of the WNBA.”
Diana Taurasi – The Pioneer and Legacy Builder
When you talk about the face of the WNBA, it’s impossible not to mention Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, who has been a dominant force in the league for nearly two decades, has shaped the WNBA’s identity in ways few others have. A five-time WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, Taurasi has an extensive list of accolades, including three WNBA MVP awards, four Olympic gold medals, and over 9,000 points scored in her career, making her the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Her success on the court speaks for itself. But what truly sets Taurasi apart is her longevity and consistency in the league. She’s been a superstar since her college days at UConn, where she led the Huskies to multiple national championships, and she has continued to dominate as one of the most well-rounded and competitive players in the WNBA.
Off the court, Taurasi has been an advocate for women’s sports, using her platform to highlight the need for equality and fair compensation for women athletes. While she’s not as overtly political as some of her peers, her role in establishing the WNBA as a legitimate league, drawing fans in with her competitive fire and tenacity, is undeniable. Taurasi, who is nearing the end of her career, will likely go down as one of the most influential figures in the history of the WNBA, if not the single greatest.
However, despite her legendary status, one could argue that the face of the WNBA needs to be someone who represents the future, not just the past. While Taurasi’s accomplishments are unparalleled, the league’s identity is shifting toward a younger generation of players, and the torch is gradually being passed.
Sue Bird – The Icon of Consistency and Leadership
Sue Bird, who retired after the 2022 season, is another player who has been synonymous with the WNBA. A champion with the Seattle Storm and widely considered one of the greatest point guards in basketball history, Bird has embodied everything the WNBA stands for over the years. Like Taurasi, her list of accomplishments is extensive: four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals, and numerous All-Star appearances.
Bird has also been a significant voice in pushing for social justice, women’s equality, and the growth of women’s basketball. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has inspired countless players and fans, particularly for younger athletes looking to make a name for themselves in sports. Bird’s influence extends far beyond her playing career, as she has been a steadfast advocate for equal pay and the visibility of women athletes.
Bird’s leadership on the court and her off-court advocacy made her a natural face of the league for many years. Her influence was undeniable during her career, but as with Taurasi, she is no longer playing, which leaves a void for a player who can carry the mantle forward. The WNBA, in its current phase, is looking for someone to serve as a bridge to the next era of the league, and Bird’s retirement signals that the time is ripe for a new face to emerge.
Breanna Stewart – The Future is Now
Breanna Stewart represents the new generation of WNBA stars, and in many ways, she has already begun to shape the future of the league. Stewart, who was drafted in 2016, quickly made her mark with the Seattle Storm, winning two WNBA championships and earning two MVP awards. She is known for her versatile playing style, capable of dominating as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. As a forward, Stewart has a complete game, making her one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
Stewart’s potential to be the face of the WNBA is clear. She is the type of player who can transcend the sport and reach new audiences. At 6-foot-4, her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor and her professionalism off the court make her an ideal candidate for this distinction. She’s already a global ambassador for women’s sports and has the marketability to appeal to a wider audience.
In terms of off-court influence, Stewart has spoken out about issues like gender equality and the fight for equal pay in women’s sports. She also has a strong social media presence, which has allowed her to connect with younger generations of fans and establish herself as a powerful brand ambassador. Stewart’s combination of skill, leadership, and activism positions her as a prime candidate for the title of face of the WNBA.
A’ja Wilson – A Rising Superstar with Social Impact
A’ja Wilson, the 2020 WNBA MVP, has quickly established herself as one of the most dominant players in the league. She led the Las Vegas Aces to a WNBA championship in 2022 and is known for her dominant play in the paint, her leadership, and her ability to control both ends of the floor. At just 26 years old, Wilson is one of the most promising young stars in the league and could very well become the face of the WNBA moving forward.
What makes Wilson stand out is her willingness to use her platform to address important social issues. A passionate advocate for racial and gender equality, Wilson has been an outspoken leader both within and outside the basketball community. She’s used her voice to push for better representation of Black women in sports and has advocated for changes to the way women athletes are compensated and treated.
Wilson’s leadership both on and off the court positions her as a figurehead for the WNBA’s future. As the league continues to evolve, A’ja Wilson represents the next generation of players who are ready to lead not just with their talents but with their activism and influence.
Sabrina Ionescu – The Marketable Face of a New Era
Sabrina Ionescu, the 2020 WNBA No. 1 overall pick, is another player who has quickly made her mark on the league. Known for her incredible court vision, passing, and scoring ability, Ionescu is one of the most promising young players in the WNBA today. Despite some injury setbacks early in her career, Ionescu’s talent and potential are undeniable, and she has become a household name thanks to her play with the New York Liberty.
Ionescu’s marketability sets her apart from other players in the league. She’s been featured in national advertising campaigns, has a massive social media following, and is seen as the future of the WNBA in terms of its commercial appeal. As the WNBA continues to expand its brand, Ionescu represents the intersection of talent, visibility, and influence that the league needs to grow its audience.
Her combination of style, skill, and off-court personality makes her a prime candidate to be the face of the WNBA, especially as the league continues to build its presence in the mainstream sports world.
The Future of the WNBA’s Face
The debate over who is the face of the WNBA is an ongoing one. Each of the players mentioned above has qualities that make them an ideal candidate for this title. Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, with their legendary careers, helped shape the league and elevate it to its current status. However, as the WNBA looks toward the future, the next face of the league may be someone who embodies the rising generation of players, such as Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, or Sabrina Ionescu.
The truth is, there is no one right answer to the question. The face of the WNBA is not just one player—it is a collective of athletes who represent the diversity, talent, and drive of the league. However, as the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, the face of the league will undoubtedly be someone who can inspire, influence, and lead the way for the next generation of athletes. Ultimately, the future of the WNBA is bright, and the face of the league will continue to change and evolve with it.