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By Adam, Fashion & Culture Editor — April 15, 2025
When the 2025 WNBA Draft tipped off in New York City on Monday night, it wasn’t just about where the stars of tomorrow would land. Yes, the Dallas Wings selecting Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 pick was a given — the worst-kept secret in the league. But what truly set the tone for the night wasn’t a pick, it was a brand.
Coach, the iconic New York fashion house known for its leather goods and classic Americana aesthetic, made a headline-grabbing entrance into the sports world: the brand announced a long-term sponsorship deal with the WNBA.
In doing so, it joined a growing movement of high fashion brands — Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Ralph Lauren — that are reimagining the intersection of women’s sports and style.
And with that, the draft became more than just a selection show. It became a runway.
Fashion Meets Franchise Dreams
Four of the 15 players invited to attend the draft live at The Shed walked the orange carpet in full Coach looks — not just as athletes, but as ambassadors of a new era. The styling wasn’t an afterthought. It was the statement.
Tailored suits with bold cuts. Leather trench coats with subtle nods to retro sportswear. Minimalist heels. Gold-accented handbags. Paired with sleek hairstyles and confident poses, these women looked every bit the stars they are becoming — both on and off the court.
In the WNBA, where rookie salaries remain relatively modest — Paige Bueckers is set to earn just $78,831 in her first season — brand partnerships aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential.
And the league knows it.
More Than Just “Fits”
There’s a reason the word fit now means more than just basketball in these circles.
Tonight was about positioning — not just on the court, but in culture. As one marketing executive noted, “These athletes understand something their male counterparts are only beginning to grasp — that your outfit, your energy, and your ethos are all part of your brand.”
It’s why the pre-draft red carpet now comes with style recaps and designer credits. It’s why ESPN dedicated camera time to full-body shots, and why social media lit up with rankings of best dressed.
It’s why players like Hailey Van Lith — selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky — wore Coach while embracing her boyfriend, NBA star Jalen Suggs, in what became the most viral moment of the night.
They’re not just playing ball. They’re building legacies.
A League With Style and Substance
While the WNBA continues to fight for parity in pay and exposure, it’s clear that its players have carved out a cultural lane no other league owns quite like them. Where NBA stars lean on stylists and tunnel walks, WNBA athletes bring an intentional blend of personal expression, advocacy, and elegance.
Coach’s investment isn’t just a sponsorship — it’s a statement.
A commitment to building stars. A recognition of the unique power these women hold. And a savvy bet that the future of sportswear includes heels, handbags, and hoop dreams.
The Bottom Line
For the new faces of the WNBA — like Bueckers, Reese, Brink, Van Lith and more — the 2025 draft wasn’t just a career milestone. It was a fashion moment. A branding opportunity. A cultural crossover.
And judging by the applause, the camera flashes, and the flurry of IG stories, they understood the assignment.
The WNBA has officially entered its fashion era — and it’s looking damn good doing it.