From Hoops to Hustle: How WNBA Stars Are Leveraging AI to Lead Off the Court
WNBA players are leveraging AI to enhance their brands, engage with fans, and transform their roles into entrepreneurs and activists.
Exploring the powerful ways AI is helping WNBA athletes build brands, connect with their fan base, and shape the future of women’s sports:
WNBA players aren’t just making waves in the game of basketball; they’re also changing the game off the court in ways that go beyond sports. And as they expand their reach into business, media, and activism, there’s something else playing a big role in their success: AI analytics.
AI, or artificial intelligence, isn’t just for tech giants or self-driving cars. It’s quietly revolutionizing how athletes approach everything from their careers to their communities. Let’s dive into how WNBA players are using AI analytics to fuel their off-court success, and how this tech is helping them continue to break down barriers.
1. Business Ventures: How AI Helps Athletes Build Their Brands
Take Sue Bird and Skylar Diggins-Smith, two WNBA icons who are just as sharp off the court as they are on it. Both have stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, launching businesses and building brands that reflect their passions and values.
AI plays a big part in how these athletes shape their brands. Through AI-powered tools, they can track consumer preferences, analyze social media sentiment, and predict trends before they hit the mainstream. For example, if Skylar’s sportswear brand is launching a new line, AI analytics can help her understand which colors, designs, or materials are likely to resonate most with her audience.
With AI, players like Sue and Skylar are able to make data-driven decisions that boost their business success, helping them grow their brands in ways that are smarter, faster, and more tailored to their fans. It’s like having a digital business partner that gives them the inside scoop on what will work and what won’t.
2. Media & Representation: AI in Broadcasting and Content Creation
Candace Parker, one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball, made history when she joined Turner Sports as the first full-time female NBA analyst. Candace is a trailblazer, but what’s even more exciting is how AI is shaping the way we watch and experience sports.
AI analytics can help broadcasters like Turner Sports create personalized content that keeps fans engaged. By analyzing what types of content are getting the most views—whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage, player interviews, or deep dives into game stats—AI can help networks craft stories that resonate with viewers. AI can even track how fans are interacting with content, helping players like Candace refine their approach to on-air commentary.
Imagine being able to offer real-time stats, game predictions, or even highlight plays that are tailored to each viewer’s preferences. That’s the power of AI: it transforms the sports experience, making it more interactive and personalized for the fans—and for the players sharing their expertise.
3. Fan Engagement: AI Helping Athletes Connect with Their Communities
Breanna Stewart is another WNBA star who’s carving out a name for herself off the court. As a businesswoman, philanthropist, and community leader, Stewie is using AI to better connect with her fans and grow her influence.
AI can analyze fan interactions across social media, merchandise purchases, game attendance, and more. By understanding what fans are talking about and what they care about, AI helps athletes like Breanna create personalized experiences for their followers. This could be as simple as curating custom highlight reels based on what fans enjoy or engaging with fans on social media at peak times to boost interactions.
By tapping into AI, players are able to make their fan engagement more meaningful and authentic. It’s a way for them to stay connected to their community while also growing their brand in a way that truly resonates with the people who support them.
Conclusion: A Powerful Partnership Between Athletes and AI
WNBA players are no longer just athletes—they’re entrepreneurs, activists, and change-makers. From business ventures to activism, media, and fan engagement, AI analytics are helping these women break new ground and redefine what it means to be a professional athlete in the modern world.
The future of women’s sports is about more than just performance on the court—it’s about building legacies, supporting causes, and using technology to amplify their voices.
