Brittney Griner, one of the biggest names in women’s basketball and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has made a bold statement that has stirred excitement and debate throughout the sports world. In a recent interview, she predicted that the WNBA would surpass the NFL in popularity within the next five years, giving much of the credit to the rising star power of Angel Reese.
“The W will be bigger than the NFL in 5 years thanks to Angel Reese,” Griner declared, a comment that immediately grabbed headlines and lit up social media with discussions about the future of women’s basketball. While some may see her words as overly ambitious, they highlight a growing sense of optimism among players, fans, and analysts who believe that the league is entering a new era of visibility and growth. For years, Griner has been one of the most vocal advocates for expanding opportunities and recognition for women’s sports, and her prediction reflects that continuing commitment. Central to Griner’s outlook is the influence of Angel Reese, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about athletes in the WNBA.
Known for her dynamic performances on the court, her fearless personality, and her ability to connect with fans on social media, Reese has managed to capture the attention of not just basketball enthusiasts but also mainstream audiences. Since entering the league, she has already helped boost viewership numbers, increase merchandise sales, and generate widespread engagement online. Her presence is being credited with drawing a new wave of fans to the WNBA, many of whom may not have paid close attention to women’s basketball before. This “Angel Reese effect” has been a major talking point for both media and league officials, and Griner’s praise emphasizes just how critical star power is when it comes to elevating women’s sports.
Griner explained her perspective by noting that Reese brings a “new energy and confidence” that the game desperately needs. She described her as an inspiration to young athletes, particularly young girls who now see in Reese someone who reflects their own aspirations. “She’s inspiring a whole generation of young athletes and showing that women’s basketball deserves to be in the spotlight,” Griner said. Her remarks reflect a broader trend in sports where individual personalities can help transform leagues, and her confidence in Reese suggests that she believes the WNBA has found its breakout figure who can propel the sport to the next level. Of course, comparing the WNBA’s future to the NFL sets a very high bar.
The NFL is the most-watched and most lucrative sports league in the United States, drawing in billions of dollars annually through television contracts, sponsorships, and merchandise. Sunday football games dominate television ratings, and the Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in the country. For the WNBA to match or even exceed the NFL in popularity would require monumental growth and cultural change. Yet Griner’s prediction taps into an undeniable shift that has already begun. The WNBA is seeing increased media coverage, stronger marketing campaigns, and rising attendance. Initiatives aimed at expanding the league, raising player salaries, and improving conditions for athletes are also fueling optimism about the league’s trajectory.
At the same time, the growing visibility of women’s college basketball, with stars like Reese carrying over their popularity into the professional ranks, has created new momentum for the sport. While overtaking the NFL in just five years may not be realistic, experts agree that the WNBA’s future is brighter than ever. What Griner’s statement truly represents is a belief in the potential of women’s sports to achieve parity with men’s leagues in terms of attention and respect. For decades, women’s sports have struggled to receive the same level of investment and promotion, but recent trends suggest that change is underway. The emergence of athletes who are not only exceptional players but also cultural icons is helping to accelerate that transformation.
Angel Reese, with her combination of skill, confidence, and charisma, appears to embody that new era. Griner’s comments have sparked widespread conversation among fans, media, and industry leaders about what the next decade might look like for women’s basketball. While many are skeptical that the WNBA could surpass the NFL so quickly, there is also agreement that the league is in the midst of unprecedented growth.
With Reese and other young stars leading the charge, alongside established veterans like Griner who continue to push for progress, the WNBA is positioned to become a much bigger force in American sports culture. Even if it does not surpass the NFL in five years, the league’s rapid rise is undeniable. Griner’s bold words serve as a rallying cry for fans and athletes alike, reminding everyone that women’s basketball is not just gaining ground but also rewriting the expectations for what is possible. The WNBA’s transformation is well underway, and with stars like Angel Reese driving the movement, its future looks brighter than ever.
