The Most Influential WNBA Players’ in 2023
The WNBA gained a lot of popularity in 2023, which can be seen in the substantial increase in betting activity and a noteworthy rise in viewership as bets on WNBA games have more than doubled since the previous season, and major networks—ABC, CBS, ESPN, and ESPN2—have all reported a robust 67% year-over-year increase in viewership. With monumental moments such as the recent Aces vs. Liberty matchup, featuring stellar players like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Candace Parker, and A'ja Wilson, drawing attention from fans and critics alike to Brittney Griner returning to the U.S. after a 10-month imprisonment in Russia —where she played to supplement her WNBA income—has brought to light the glaring pay disparity within the league which led to sparking discussions that underscore the urgent need for equitable compensation in women's sports.
Methodology.
All these monumental events led Vegas Insider to ask a pivotal question: Who holds the reins of influence in the WNBA? So, Vegas Insider conducted a comprehensive analysis, scoring WNBA players on a scale from 0 to 10. Utilizing a weighted system across various digital landscape metrics, including the following:
- Number of Awards: 20%
- IG Followers: 35%
- TikTok Views: 20%
- X Followers: 15%
- Number of IG posts: 10%
In a landscape where the WNBA is gaining momentum, it's time to recognize and celebrate these athletes with the same fervor as their brother league. The WNBA isn't just a league; it's a movement, and these players are at the forefront, shaping narratives and leaving a mark both on and off the court.
Here’s The Top 10.
- Brittney Griner - Phoenix Mercury (Influence Score: 6.71)
- A'ja Wilson - Las Vegas Aces (Influence Score: 6.62)
- Candace Parker - Chicago Sky (Influence Score: 5.90)
- Sabrina Ionescu - New York Liberty (Influence Score: 4.38)
- Breanna Stewart - New York Liberty (Influence Score: 3.88)
- Kelsey Plum - Las Vegas Aces (Influence Score: 3.80)
- Elena Delle Donne - Washington Mystics (Influence Score: 3.50)
- Nneka Ogwumike - Los Angeles Sparks (Influence Score: 2.22)
- Satou Sabally - Dallas Wings (Influence Score: 2.18)
- Jewell Loyd - Seattle Storm (Influence Score: 2.02)
Most Googled WNBA Player In Each State.
Vegas Insider took an even closer look and analyzed which state Googled which WNBA player the most in 2023. Notably, Brittney Griner emerged as the overall frontrunner regarding nationwide Google searches. However, intriguing regional patterns also surfaced, showcasing distinct player interests. In Oregon, Sabrina Ionescu captured the spotlight as the most searched WNBA player, which isn’t a shocker considering she played for the Oregon Ducks before entering the WNBA. Kelsey Plum being one of the best guards Las Vegas Aces ever seen led her to be Nevada’s most searched player. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, the top Google searches leaned toward the talented Aaliyah Boston as she was a star player on the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team.
The league is undeniably becoming a force to be reckoned with, and the recent analysis by Vegas Insider, unveiling the top 10 most influential WNBA players in 2023, underscores the league's potential to match the influence of the NBA. Brittney Griner, A'ja Wilson, Candace Parker, and others are not just excelling on the court—they are trailblazing, challenging norms, and paving the way for women with their influence.