Can we hear it for the birthday girl? The WNBA is turning 30, and on the heels of another smash All-Star Game, Bustle is throwing a little party — mostly virtually, though we caught up with the players IRL to snap some pics over the weekend, too.
Milestone birthdays are always a good time to take stock of achievements, and the W has plenty to be proud of: Turnout keeps skyrocketing, more games are being televised than ever before, and after launching with eight teams in 1996, business is booming — 18 teams will compete by 2030. It’s no surprise, then, that the 2026 All-Star Game drew a record-breaking 19,783 fans to Chicago’s United Center, where Team Spoon defeated Team Coop, 129-122. Other highlights throughout the weekend included Azzi Fudd becoming the first rookie to win the 3-Point Contest, and former President Barack Obama surprising players with a visit during practice. Thirty looks good on the league.
While a few similar organizations popped up in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, none lasted for more than four seasons. By contrast, the majority of today’s players have never lived in a world without the WNBA. Talent was never the problem. The world just took too long to appreciate it.
So consider this our birthday card to the beloved W. Below, 10 players chat about everything from their athletic icons to their favorite lip gloss, a fellow ’96 baby opens up about what it was like growing up alongside the league, and a bandwagon fan has a message for other newbies. Tomorrow, we’ll be back with more.
— Christina Amoroso, Editorial Director
Editor-in-Chief: Charlotte Owen
Interviews: Gracie Farquhar and Gaby Bondi
Photographer: Jade Greene
Photo Assistant: Katie Donajkowski
Digital Tech: Nathan Destro
Senior Designer: Margaret Flatley
Social Director: Charlie Mock
SVP Creative: Karen Hibbert
Rhyne Howard, 26
All-Star Team Spoon
Team: Atlanta Dream
Position: Guard
Who was the first basketball icon you remember being obsessed with? Tamika Catchings.
The most iconic teammate is… A’ja Wilson.
Gabby Williams, 29
All-Star Team Coop
Team: Golden State Valkyries
Position: Forward
Iconic beauty product: I like my Fenty lip gloss.
Iconic pre-game song: “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson.
Jonquel Jones, 32
All-Star Team Spoon
Team: New York Liberty
Position: Center
Iconic sports moment I wish I’d witnessed in person: The series where LeBron [James] and Kyrie [Irving] brought the Cavs back when they were down to Golden State.
Cultural icon everyone should know: Ronnie Butler. Bahamian music is really, really good.
Kelsey Mitchell, 30
All-Star Team Coop
Team: Indiana Fever
Position: Guard
First basketball icon I was obsessed with: Allen Iverson, for the tattoos, the braids, the aura, and the energy that he carried.
An iconic day off looks like… Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep.
Kiki Iriafen, 22
All-Star Team Spoon
Team: Washington Mystics
Position: Forward
Most iconic WNBA ’fit I’ve ever seen: My Draft Day dress.
An iconic day off looks like… Doing nothing, napping, and drinking matcha.
Marina Mabrey, 29
All-Star Team Coop
Team: Toronto Tempo
Position: Guard
Iconic beauty product: I love a good lip balm and I like to do a matching lip and blush.
The person with the most iconic tunnel ’fit style is… Besides me, Angel be putting that on. My sister-in-law Kahleah [Copper] has cool ’fits. And I like Rickea [Jackson]’s, too.
Aliyah Boston, 24
All-Star Team Spoon
Team: Indiana Fever
Position: Center-forward
Iconic pre-game song: “Take Me Thru Dere.”
The person with the most iconic tunnel ’fit style is… My teammate Monique Billings’ outfits are fire.
Breanna Stewart, 31
All-Star Team Coop
Team: New York Liberty
Position: Forward
First basketball icon I was obsessed with: My dad had me watch a lot of Tim Duncan, a lot of Dirk [Nowitzki], Pistol Pete, Candace [Parker], Lauren Jackson.
Cultural icon everyone should know: President Obama. He’s in the building [today]. And Michelle.
Nneka Ogwumike, 36
All-Star Team Spoon
Team: Los Angeles Sparks
Position: Forward
The person with the most iconic WNBA tunnel ’fit style is… Cappie Pondexter was walking the tunnel way before anybody else was. She’s incredibly iconic.
My iconic motto is… “What is for you won’t pass you.”
Dominique Malonga, 20
All-Star Team Coop
Team: Seattle Storm
Position: Center
Iconic pre-game song: I’m gonna go with French rap — Damso’s “Pa Pa Paw.”
Iconic beauty product: Glazing Milk by Rhode.
Gabby Williams & Her Fellow '96 Baby, The WNBA
The Golden State Valkyries forward talks about growing up alongside the league, her pregame routine, and the music that helps her win.
Bandwagon Fans Deserve A Rebrand
I may not have been around for the tough losses, but I’m here now — and proud of it.
Where’s Everyone Watching Women's Basketball This Season? Your Place
A quick, easy guide to transforming your space into the vibiest sports bar in town.
Breanna Stewart Has Her Eye On The Prize
The WNBA vet shares how she gets inspired for tunnel walks and the secret way she’s competitive with Sue Bird.
Meet The Executive Behind The WNBA's Exploding Popularity
“We are pioneers in a space where no one’s been before.”
Awa Fam Is Ready To Play In The Same League As Her Heroes
The new Seattle Storm player shares how she chose her draft night dress and why she’s proud to represent Spain.
For Gabriela Jaquez, The Sky Is The Limit
The UCLA alum already made WNBA history on draft night.
The WNBA Is About To Have Its Biggest Season Yet
From leveled-up tunnel ’fits to TikTok-famous duos, the league is entering a new era. Experts reveal the storylines they’ll be looking out for this year.
Cameron Brink Is Already Scheming About This Season’s Tunnel Walks
The Los Angeles Sparks forward swears by her meditative makeup routine and one specific sleep hack.
Candace Parker Keeps On Winning
The three-time WNBA champ looks ahead to the upcoming season.
Monique Billings Lives By Her "Self-Care Menu"
The WNBA star chats about her pregame routine, tunnel ’fits, and what fuels her.
