The W in Designer: Flyest Fits of Tip-Off Weekend

As the league’s viewership continues to grow, the WNBA players bring larger and bolder outfits to tip-off weekend. 

After a busy month leading up to the tip-off of the 2023 WNBA season, the league returns with new team additions, the exciting official return of Brittney Griner, and an increased sense of fan attention on its players. The pregame tunnel outfits have a similar feeling of synergy among players– it’s not a competition for the best outfit, but a collective effort to elevate the styles shaping the league. 

Browsing the players’ tunnel outfits from tip-off weekend, this edition of “The W in Designer” starts the season with a selection of the biggest and boldest styles. More players are turning to tough materials like leather, perhaps reflecting their in-game attitudes, while some players are opting for neon colors to ensure they stand out. 

Candace Parker 

Making her debut with the Las Vegas Aces, two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker wears an outfit that’s clean and serious, yet still breezy. Parker wears a green button-up shirt from an Adidas x Gucci collaboration with wide-legged pants and a simple pair of Stan Smith sneakers, which is an unexpected choice for basketball players. Perhaps this look calls attention to Parker’s ongoing collaboration with Adidas– recently, she shared images from Chapter 02, the 2023 addition to her capsule collection.

Arike Ogunbowale 

Returning for another season with the Dallas Wings, Arike Ogunbowale has decided to kick off her tunnel fits with leather, rockstar-inspired vibes. Wearing a custom 1 of 1 set from William Bassee, an independent brand by Antoine, Ogunbowale accessorizes with black leather shoes and an assortment of chains for a young, fresh feel. Since last year’s season, the rising player has been featured in advertisements with State Farm, which has greatly increased her global recognition.

Victoria Vivians

Playing for the Indiana Fever, Victoria Vivians is coming into this season with a serious approach to style. Wearing an expertly layered black and white outfit, Vivians places a zippered leather skirt over an oversized button-up shirt. She accessorizes with big, black sunglasses, simple black heels, and a large Louis Vuitton Black Monogram purse. While Vivians tends to dress in more straightforward styles, she’s starting this season by introducing more experimental shapes.

A’ja Wilson

Enjoying the offseason as a WNBA champion, A’ja Wilson returns to the Las Vegas Aces with an eye-catching ‘pink starburst-inspired look.’ Collaborating with TIA ADEOLA, a New York-based designer, under a Nike Women initiative, her tunnel walk look features a handcrafted sports bra and skirt set with a long, flowing coat. Wilson has previously shared that she loves being cozy and comfortable, with a bit of a pop– staying true to her style philosophy, this designer collaboration elevates her visual drama.

Stefanie Dolson 

Finding her own flavor against the bold style of the New York Liberty, Stefanie Dolson injects a fun sense of attitude with her first, lime green-colored look of the season. Dolson’s outfit features a mix of different items from Teddy Fresh, a Los Angeles-based brand: a fuzzy sweater vest, a yellow pleated skirt, and an embroidered ‘Send Help Bowling Bag.’ Pairing her look with chunky Dr. Martens boots and layered necklaces, including a lock and key charm, Dolson styles neon colors into an easy-to-wear outfit.

Nneka Ogwumike

Working as the long-time WNBA Union president and a powerful Los Angeles Sparks player, Nneka Ogwumike wears a sporty outfit that pays homage to other players. Flipping a Brittney Griner jersey backward, Ogwumike matches the jersey’s neon orange collar with a pair of fluorescent boots. She also wears a bowling-style handbag from Adidas and a simple pair of hoop earrings. Ogwumike makes a strong case for the backward jersey styling, which was spotted on Skylar Diggins-Smith during the previous season.

Betnijah Laney

Playing in her 8th year with the New York Liberty, Betnijah Laney is always cultivating a strong sense of New York’s street style in her tunnel outfits. To start the season, Laney wears a rare Adidas x IVY PARK Utility Jacket with a pair of coordinating pants and simple green and white sneakers. The formal silhouettes in her outfit still feel sporty, which makes for an impactful pregame moment with a truly professional touch. 

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs. 

By Kirsten Chen