Breaking: Fashion powerhouse Coach joins the ranks of Louis Vuitton and Chanel as a long-term sponsor of the WNBA, setting a new precedent for fashion-sports partnerships at the 2025 draft in New York. The WNBA draft, traditionally focused on player picks, has evolved into a Fashion-Meets-Sport spectacle, with players like Paige Bueckers and others capitalizing on their moment in the spotlight to showcase their personal style and potentially attract lucrative sponsorship deals, as reported by the New York Times. UPDATE: Coach signed four of the 15 players at the draft to wear their brand, emphasizing the importance of fashion choices in presenting a player’s brand to the world. (Read more → subscriber exclusive)
Fashion Forward: The Intersection of W.N.B.A., Fashion, and Branding
Where Fashion and Sport Collide: W.N.B.A. Draft Hits New Heights
The 2025 W.N.B.A. Draft was more than just a night of anticipation for player selections; it was a showcase of fashion, self-expression, and branding. With Coach joining the likes of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren in partnering with the league, the event set new standards for style and substance.
Dressing for Success
The draft wasn’t just about who the teams picked; it was also about who was picking their outfits. Four invited players, including the night’s top pick Paige Bueckers, signed deals with Coach and sported the brand’s designs.
“These girls sit at the intersection of sport, culture, and fashion,” says W.N.B.A. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who turned heads in a nipped-in raspberry Sergio Hudson pantsuit. “The goal is growing their brands, not just in their team market, but nationally and globally.”
Self-Expression and Individuality
The biggest trend of the night was individuality. Players embraced their unique styles, setting a higher bar than last year’s draft, when Caitlin Clark wowed in Prada and Cameron Brink stunned in Balmain. Stuart Vevers, Coach’s creative director, noted that both fashion and sports are “grounded in self-expression.”
Did you know?
W.N.B.A. players have increasingly used their platforms to express their individuality and advocate for social causes, with fashion being just one avenue.
Pro Tip
Want to up your fashion game? Take cues from W.N.B.A. players and embrace your personal style while adding pieces that empower and inspire you.
Fashion Power Players
But it wasn’t just the players stealing the spotlight. commentary from industry experts like Brooke Cundiff, Nike’s VP of Global Basketball Apparel and Footwear, added to the buzz. “Fashion and sport have always been connected, but we’re seeing a shift where players are now agents of change,” Cundiff says.
Moreover, as W.N.B.A. salaries remain relatively small, fashion deals offer significant financial benefits. Even top pick Bueckers, often referred to as the new face of the W.N.B.A., is reportedly making only $78,831 in her first year.
The Future of Fashion in Sports
- Personal branding: Players will continue to leverage their unique styles to build their personal brands.
- Collaborations: More fashion houses will partner with sports leagues and athletes to create exclusive, high-fashion pieces.
- Advocacy and empowerment: Players will use their platforms and fashion choices to advocate for social and political causes.
FAQs
- Q: How can I dress like a W.N.B.A. star?
- A: Embrace your personal style, mix high and low fashion, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
- Q: What is the W.N.B.A.’s approach to fashion and branding?
- A: The league is promoting players’ individuality and empowering them to build their personal brands.
Stay Ahead of the Trends
From the runway to the court, fashion is shaping the future of sports. Keep an eye on 247sports.new for more updates on the intersection of fashion, branding, and the W.N.B.A.