WNBA Draft Becomes Showcase of Culture and Fashion

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WNBA Draft Becomes Showcase of Culture and Fashion/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2025 WNBA Draft wasn’t just about basketball—it became a vibrant display of fashion, culture, and personal heritage. From Nigerian and Samoan roots to custom French designs, players used the orange carpet to spotlight their identities. As the league grows, so does the players’ influence off the court.

Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore, left, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected sixth overall by the Washington Mystics during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

WNBA Draft Style and Identity – Quick Looks

Cultural Pride: Players wore custom outfits rooted in heritage
Iriafen Stuns: Nigerian-inspired gown turns heads, earns Bueckers’ praise
French Elegance: Malonga sports custom Louis Vuitton suit
Croatian Influence: Nika Muhl dons local designer look
Samoan Tradition: Paopao appears in lei and traditional dress
Family First: Draft parties show the power of support systems
More Than Basketball: Players embrace their full identities
WNBA Evolution: Fashion becomes part of league storytelling

LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, left, poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected seventh overall by the Connecticut Sun during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 14, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

WNBA Draft Becomes Showcase of Culture and Fashion

Deep Look

NEW YORK — The 2025 WNBA Draft was more than a celebration of basketball talent. It was a cultural runway where the next generation of stars showcased not just their skills, but their roots, fashion sense, and pride in where they come from.

Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 overall pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen, drafted fourth by the Washington Mystics, who stole the fashion spotlight with a shimmering gold dress by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander.

“I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good,” said Iriafen. “I’m Nigerian, so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer. That was really important to me.”

Her look — complete with traditional orange-beaded bracelets — honored her ancestry while embracing the glam of the moment.

Fashion With Global Roots

Dominique Malonga, the second pick by Seattle and a 6-foot-6 French star, arrived in a sleek, custom Louis Vuitton suit. She called her look “simple and classic,” but her presence was anything but. At just 19, she’s already made waves internationally and is now turning heads in the WNBA — both for her game and her red-carpet grace.

Another standout was Nika Muhl, former UConn point guard now joining Seattle. She wore a sleek black Croatian-designed suit by Y/GIA, accessorized with a symbolic key-chain sash.

“I came all the way from Croatia,” Muhl said. “I had to bring Croatia with me.”

Tradition and Family Over Fame

For those who couldn’t attend in person, like Te-Hina Paopao, the moment was just as powerful. Drafted 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream, Paopao appeared from her California draft party in traditional Samoan attire, surrounded by nearly 300 friends and family.

“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” she said. “When you think of Samoan culture, you think of family — and I’m bringing that to Atlanta.”

The lei draped around her neck represented honor, love, and unity — an emotional reminder that the draft night spotlight reaches far beyond the court.

Basketball Meets Authenticity

These fashion choices weren’t simply about turning heads. They were declarations — about identity, authenticity, and the kind of league today’s WNBA players are building.

Draft night has become a stage where athletes assert their full selves: powerful players, cultural ambassadors, and style icons.

“It’s the start,” said Georgia Amoore, referencing her custom outfit designed by NBA star Russell Westbrook. “You’ll see this happen more often.”