The Fits Were First-Round Too: The Best Dressed at the 2025 WNBA Draft
The 2025 WNBA Draft showcased athletes as brand ambassadors, with standout styles reflecting personal identities and cultural pride. Each player's outfit served as a brand activation, signaling their readiness for both the court and commercial opportunities in the NIL era. PlayersOnly analyzes these moments to help athletes monetize their influence.
The orange carpet at the 2025 WNBA Draft wasn’t just a prelude—it was a runway, a billboard, and a brand pitch deck all in one. These weren’t just ballers showing up for a moment. These were athletes arriving as CEOs of their personal brands.
It’s no secret anymore: in the era of NIL and influencer-driven sports, the tunnel is the new Vogue cover. And these rookies? They understood the assignment.
At PlayersOnly, we don’t just scout performance—we analyze presence. So we pulled the receipts, tracked the fits, and decoded who’s already brand-ready before their first official WNBA bucket.
Paige Bueckers: The Crystal CEO
Let’s start at the top. Paige Bueckers didn’t walk—she shimmered. Draped in a custom crystal-covered three-piece Coach suit, she brought Wall Street energy with Barbiecore execution. Over 200,000 hand-placed crystals lit up her power shoulders, wide-leg slacks, and cropped vest.
This wasn’t just fashion. It was a signal: Paige is stepping into the league as a businesswoman. Her hair? “UConnic Blonde” waves in partnership with Madison Reed. Her glam? Editorial. Her walk? Confident.
Result: No. 1 overall pick. No. 1 brand moment.
Kiki Iriafen: Gold That Glowed With Legacy
Kiki didn’t just dress to impress—she dressed with a purpose. In a show-stopping golden gown designed by Nigerian talent Nneka Alexander, she brought her heritage to center stage. This look felt royal, rooted, and runway-ready.
Every sparkle on that fabric whispered: this is who I am. And when it comes to brand identity, nothing hits harder than authenticity. Cultural storytelling in fashion? Kiki ate.
Georgia Amoore: Russell Westbrook’s Protégé
Georgia made history—before even hitting the court. Her black leather floral look was designed by NBA star Russell Westbrook, marking the first time an NBA player styled a WNBA draftee. The message stitched across her look? “Honor Women.”
From the silhouette to the symbolism, this wasn’t just a fit—it was a full-on campaign. Between the collab and the custom vibes, Georgia stepped into the draft like a seasoned brand ambassador.
Hailey Van Lith: Dark Glam Energy
Hailey showed up in a custom sequined black gown that gave vintage starlet meets ESPN highlight. It was glam. It was sleek. It was bold.
Van Lith’s fit was pure proof that femininity and power aren’t mutually exclusive—they can shine from the same spotlight. You could tell she’s ready for both the court and the cover shoot.
Aneesah Morrow: Fashion Rebel
Aneesah Morrow flipped the script in a Coach leather look made from repurposed biker jackets. It was all-black, all-attitude, and all in. The energy? Edgy elegance. She brought that “I’m not like the other girls” moment, but in the best way.
The look said: I’ll break the mold and drop 20 a night.
Aziaha James: Cool Girl Chaos
Aziaha James channeled punk princess energy in an oversized all-black fit with silver accessories, ruffled socks, and loafers. It was chaotic, calculated, and iconic.
This wasn’t a safe play—it was a personality play. And that’s what sets apart content that lives on social versus content that goes viral. We see it.
Saniya Rivers: The Walking One-Liner
Saniya didn’t just show up. She brought the quote of the night—printed on her handbag:
“The WNBA been poppin.”
Say less.
Pair that with an asymmetrical white fit and statement jewelry, and you’ve got a moment that Twitter, TikTok, and the timeline couldn’t get enough of.
Dominique Malonga: French Luxury with a Fadeaway
Dominique understood that sometimes a classic cut hits hardest. In a Louis Vuitton tailored suit, she gave Parisian poise with pro-level polish. Her whole look whispered, luxury, but make it athletic.
It’s giving… GQ cover in 2026. We’re calling it now.
Why This Matters (and Why Brands Are Watching)
These weren’t just outfits. These were brand activations wrapped in fabric.
In the NIL era, the moment you hit the orange carpet, your social profile becomes your portfolio. And these women delivered influence in real time—before their rookie seasons even start.
This is why PlayersOnly exists. We help athletes turn moments like this into measurable data, brand insights, and monetization. We analyze who’s trending, why they’re resonating, and how to convert scrolls into sponsorships.
Because in this new age of sports, the stat sheet is just the beginning. Your fit, your following, your story—that’s what brands buy into.
Final Word: The W Means More Now
The 2025 WNBA Draft was a statement on every level. From cultural pride to creative freedom, from high fashion to DIY rebellion, these rookies didn’t just show up to play—they showed up to get paid.
And at PlayersOnly, we’re not just watching.
We’re tracking, measuring, and helping athletes own every part of their brand.
From draft night to day one, this class is already ready.
On the court. On the carpet. And on camera.
