When Brittney Griner speaks, people listen. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, and one of the most outspoken advocates for women’s sports, Griner has never been shy about making bold statements. But her recent prediction may be her most ambitious yet: “The W will be bigger than the NFL in 5 years thanks to Angel Reese.” The comment instantly sparked heated debate, fueling conversations about whether the WNBA is on the cusp of a transformation that could rival America’s biggest sports league.
The Angel Reese Effect
At the heart of Griner’s prediction is Angel Reese, one of the most magnetic young stars in professional basketball. Reese isn’t just a player—she’s a phenomenon. Known for her explosive energy on the court, her fierce confidence, and her ability to captivate fans online, she has managed to expand the WNBA’s reach beyond traditional basketball audiences.
Her impact has already been measurable. Television ratings for WNBA games featuring Reese have jumped significantly, merchandise sales have spiked, and her social media presence continues to attract new fans who may not have followed women’s basketball before. Simply put, Reese is doing for the WNBA what few athletes can do for any league: she’s pulling in mainstream attention.
Video: “Angel Reese Will Make the WNBA Bigger Than the NFL in 5 Years” | Brittney Griner Makes Bold Predict
Griner’s Perspective: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
Griner’s optimism comes from her belief that Reese embodies the qualities needed to elevate women’s basketball into the national spotlight. In her words, Reese brings “new energy and confidence” to the league and serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere.
“She’s inspiring a whole generation of girls who now see someone on the court who reflects their own dreams,” Griner explained. “That kind of cultural shift is priceless.”
Griner knows firsthand how difficult it has been for the WNBA to earn recognition. For years, women’s sports have been underfunded, underpromoted, and undervalued. Her prediction is less about dismissing the NFL’s dominance and more about spotlighting the WNBA’s undeniable momentum.
The NFL Benchmark: A Tall Mountain to Climb
Comparing the WNBA to the NFL sets an extraordinarily high bar. The NFL is the most profitable and most-watched sports league in the United States, generating billions of dollars annually through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise. Sunday games dominate television ratings, and the Super Bowl stands as the most-watched single-day sporting event in the country.
For the WNBA to surpass the NFL in just five years would require seismic cultural change. Yet even skeptics acknowledge that the league is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Momentum on the WNBA’s Side
While the NFL remains a powerhouse, the WNBA is gaining ground in areas that matter for long-term growth. Increased television coverage, larger sponsorship deals, and stronger marketing campaigns are helping raise the league’s profile.
Even more importantly, women’s college basketball has become a massive feeder system for the professional ranks. The explosion of popularity around NCAA women’s basketball—fueled by stars like Angel Reese—has created momentum that seamlessly carries over to the WNBA. Fans who watched these athletes in college are now following them into the pros, bringing new energy and larger audiences.
Cultural Icons Driving Change
Video: Beastin’ Angel Reese defends Griner down low in the post
Part of what sets this era apart is that players like Angel Reese are more than athletes—they’re cultural icons. They understand the importance of visibility, branding, and social media presence. Reese’s charisma off the court is as impactful as her dominance on it. She represents the modern athlete who can draw crowds, sell jerseys, and trend on social media in ways that rival male superstars.
This cultural crossover is exactly what Griner believes can propel the WNBA into new territory. The league is not just selling basketball; it’s selling empowerment, representation, and entertainment in a fresh, relatable package.
Skepticism and Realism
Of course, not everyone shares Griner’s optimism. Many industry analysts argue that surpassing the NFL within five years is virtually impossible. The financial gap between the two leagues remains astronomical, and the cultural tradition of football in America runs deep.
But what’s important here isn’t the literal five-year timeline—it’s the momentum. Griner’s prediction highlights the sense of possibility that didn’t exist a decade ago. The WNBA no longer feels like a niche league fighting for scraps of attention. Instead, it feels like a rising force capable of reshaping the sports landscape.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Sports on the Rise
Griner’s remarks also reflect a broader movement in women’s athletics. Across the board, female athletes are gaining sponsorships, media coverage, and fan support like never before. From soccer to tennis to basketball, women’s sports are stepping out of the shadows.
The WNBA stands at the center of this shift. With stars like Reese capturing attention and veterans like Griner pushing for progress, the league is positioning itself as a mainstream entertainment product—not just a sports alternative.
Conclusion: A Bold Prediction With Real Possibility
Brittney Griner’s claim that the WNBA will surpass the NFL in five years might sound like a stretch, but her confidence speaks to something bigger: belief in the league’s rapid growth and the transformative power of players like Angel Reese.
While overtaking the NFL may not happen on that exact timeline, the trajectory of women’s basketball is undeniable. Angel Reese has already proven that one star can ignite change, and with an entire generation of young athletes following her lead, the WNBA’s future looks brighter than ever.
In the end, Griner’s prediction isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision. And right now, that vision has fans, players, and media asking the same question: Could the WNBA really be on its way to becoming America’s next great sports empire?
