Brittney Griner Says the WNBA Will Overtake the NFL in 5 Years—And It’s All Thanks to Angel Reese

In a bold prediction that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, WNBA icon Brittney Griner declared that the Women’s National Basketball Association could become more popular than the NFL within five years. Her reasoning? One rising star is changing everything: Angel Reese.

Griner, never one to shy away from ambitious statements, told reporters this week:

“With athletes like Angel Reese entering the league, I believe we are witnessing a pivotal moment in sports history. The momentum we’re building is unstoppable.”

🌟 Angel Reese: The Face of a New Era

Griner’s forecast hinges on the meteoric rise of Angel Reese, the former LSU standout who’s quickly becoming a defining figure in women’s basketball. Reese’s on-court dominance, off-court charisma, and massive social media following have made her a cultural force, not just an athlete.

Her NCAA tournament performances turned heads, but it’s her continued ability to command attention—and inspire engagement online—that’s setting her apart.

“Angel is bringing in fans that have never even watched a WNBA game before,” said one sports analyst. “She’s marketable, magnetic, and real. That combination doesn’t come around often.”

📱 The Power of Social Media

Reese’s savvy online presence has introduced women’s basketball to a whole new generation of fans. With millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, she’s not just sharing highlights—she’s creating a movement.

Her content blends behind-the-scenes footage, personal reflections, fashion, and fierce gameplay. For Gen Z and younger Millennial audiences, that’s the sweet spot.

Griner emphasized this shift:

“Angel connects directly with young fans. That’s what’s changing the game. She’s using her platform to grow the league in ways we’ve never seen before.”

💥 A Growing League with Big Ambitions

Griner’s statement comes amid a surge of momentum for the WNBA. Recent seasons have seen record-breaking viewership, landmark sponsorship deals, and increased media coverage.

From Caitlin Clark to Aliyah Boston to Angel Reese, the influx of next-generation talent is redefining what it means to be a women’s pro athlete. The narrative is no longer about catching up—it’s about breaking away from expectations entirely.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has called this “a new era for women’s sports,” and it’s hard to argue.

But surpassing the NFL?

That’s where Griner’s vision turns controversial. The NFL remains America’s top-viewed league, with billion-dollar broadcasting contracts, decades of fan loyalty, and cultural dominance every Sunday.

Still, Griner sees a path forward—through authenticity, social impact, and relatable stars like Reese.

💬 Critics and Supporters Weigh In

Not everyone agrees with Griner’s bold prediction.

Skeptics argue the WNBA still faces uphill battles: fewer games, lower revenue, and less historical infrastructure compared to male leagues. But supporters say that’s precisely why it’s the perfect time for a shakeup.

“Women’s basketball doesn’t have to follow the NFL’s blueprint,” said a media analyst. “It just needs to carve out its own space—and that’s exactly what players like Angel Reese are doing.”

Even NBA players and celebrities have chimed in on social media, backing Griner’s optimism. One tweet read:

“Angel Reese is doing for women’s basketball what Steph Curry did for shooting. She’s changing how kids dream.”

🔥 More Than Just Basketball

Angel Reese’s influence isn’t confined to the court. She’s become a symbol for empowerment, authenticity, and boldness. Her fashion choices, unfiltered personality, and outspoken confidence make her a role model for a new generation of young athletes—especially girls of color.

“She shows up as herself every day. That’s inspiring,” said one high school player in Chicago. “And it makes me feel like I can do that too.”

Brittney Griner, a vocal advocate for equality and justice in sports, believes Reese represents everything the WNBA needs right now.

💼 Griner’s Vision: Strategy, Not Just Hype

Despite the headline-grabbing nature of her statement, Griner’s prediction isn’t just a PR stunt. She’s pointing to real trends:

Massive growth in digital fan engagement

Athletes becoming brands in their own right

Corporate sponsorships pivoting to support women’s sports

A cultural hunger for new role models

If the WNBA can harness all that momentum, Griner believes it can disrupt the traditional sports hierarchy.

“The NFL has history. But we have the future,” she said.

⚠️ Real Challenges Still Exist

Of course, Griner acknowledges the challenges:
“Surpassing the NFL won’t happen by magic. It takes investment, media backing, fair pay, and fans showing up consistently. But we’re getting there.”

The WNBA’s path forward will require major moves in marketing, broadcast accessibility, and brand partnerships. But if Griner’s vision pans out, the league won’t just grow—it will explode.

🎯 The Bottom Line

Angel Reese is more than a basketball player. She’s a game-changer. And if Brittney Griner is right, she could be the key to reshaping American sports culture as we know it.

Griner’s five-year prediction might sound ambitious—but so did the idea of sellout crowds and primetime slots for women’s hoops just a few years ago. Now? It’s happening.

The question is no longer if the WNBA can rise. It’s how high—and how fast.