On March 25, 2025, the world of American women’s basketball was shaken once again when the legendary Diana Taurasi made a daring statement in an exclusive interview with ESPN. Phoenix Mercury’s star, who has marked history with six Olympic gold medals and three WNBA champion titles, said that the professional women’s basketball league, the WNBA, would surpass the NFL – the famous American football league – in terms of popularity in five years. Notable, Taurasi has placed great confidence in Angel Reese, the young rising star of Chicago Sky, which she considers a key factor in this spectacular growth.
Taurasi, 42, is no longer the leader on the ground, but her voice retains a considerable influence in the basketball community. She stressed that the emergence of talents like Reese, combined with an evolution in the media approach and investments in WNBA, creates a new wave. “Angel is not content to play well, she also knows how to capture attention. It brings energy, personality and a whole new generation of fans, “she said. Reese, who caused a sensation during his visit to LSU and which is today one of the most prominent faces of WNBA, is perceived as the symbol of this transformation.
Recent statistics show that WNBA is progressing fast. The 2024 season has seen an average increase of 48 % in the audience compared to the previous year, with the final between Indiana Fever and New York Liberty attracting more than 11 million viewers. Meanwhile, the NFL remains a giant with annual income exceeding $ 20 billion and an average audience per match oscillating around 17 million. However, Taurasi is convinced that this gap will quickly be reduced thanks to the boom of stars like Reese, which excels not only on the field but also on social networks, where it has millions of subscribers.
Not all of them share Taurasi’s optimism. Some analysts believe that the NFL, with more than 100 years of history and a deep anchoring in American culture, will be difficult to exceed in such a short time. However, WNBA defenders argue that the League takes advantage of its diversity, its inclusiveness and the attraction of young players to reach a global audience. Reese, with its powerful style of play and its ability to connect with generation Z, is the most radiant proof.
Whether Taurasi’s prediction is realized or not, it is undeniable that the WNBA enters the most dynamic development phase of its history. With stars like Angel Reese at the forefront and the support of legends like Taurasi, the dream of output the NFL could no longer be so distant.
