It was a quote that ricocheted through the sports universe like a buzzer-beater from half-court: “Angel Reese will make the WNBA bigger than the NFL in five years.” At first blush, it seemed outrageous, almost laughable—a boast so bold it bordered on the impossible. The NFL, after all, is the colossus of American sports, a multi-billion-dollar behemoth with roots stretching back over a century. The WNBA, while growing, has long dwelled in its shadow.

But the more you think about it, the more you realize: Angel Reese is not just any athlete. She’s a cultural phenomenon, a generational talent, and perhaps the greatest hope women’s basketball has ever seen. And if anyone can rewrite the script of American sports, it might just be her.

So, what would it take for Angel Reese to deliver on that promise? Is the WNBA even ready for such a revolution? And could the NFL—iconic, entrenched, seemingly invincible—really be toppled by a single player?

Let’s dig in.

To understand the magnitude of this prediction, you have to understand the force of nature that is Angel Reese.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Reese’s journey to basketball stardom is a testament to grit, ambition, and unapologetic self-belief. From her days dominating high school courts to her meteoric rise at LSU, Reese has shattered records, silenced doubters, and captivated audiences with her unique blend of skill, swagger, and charisma.

Her college career reached its zenith in 2023, when she led LSU to a national championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors and sparking viral moments that transcended the sport. Whether it was her signature “You Can’t See Me” gesture or her fearless interviews, Reese became a lightning rod for conversation—about women’s sports, racial dynamics, and the power of personality in the modern game.

Drafted into the WNBA by the Chicago Sky, Reese wasted no time making her presence felt. Double-doubles became routine, highlight reels filled social feeds, and ticket sales spiked wherever she played. But it’s not just her on-court prowess that sets Reese apart—it’s her ability to command attention, to inspire, and to challenge the status quo.

The WNBA has long been a league of trailblazers. From Lisa Leslie to Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore to Breanna Stewart, its stars have pushed boundaries and elevated the game. But for decades, the league has struggled for mainstream recognition, battling for airtime, sponsorships, and respect.

Yet, the landscape is changing. The past few years have seen unprecedented growth: record viewership, rising attendance, and a surge in social media engagement. The 2024 draft, featuring Reese and fellow phenom Caitlin Clark, was the most watched in league history. Brands are lining up to partner with WNBA athletes, and the league’s social justice initiatives have won praise far beyond sports.

Still, the gap remains. The NFL’s annual revenue dwarfs the WNBA’s by billions. Its Super Bowl is a national holiday. Its stars are household names.

So, can Angel Reese truly bridge that divide? Can she make the WNBA not just successful, but dominant?

What makes Angel Reese unique isn’t just her talent—it’s her impact off the court.

1. Social Media Magnetism:
Reese is a digital native, fluent in the language of Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Her posts routinely go viral, drawing millions of views and sparking conversations that extend far beyond basketball. In an era where attention is currency, Reese is one of the richest athletes in the game.

2. Cultural Relevance:
Reese understands that sports are culture. Her style, her interviews, her activism—all reflect a sensibility that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials. She’s not afraid to speak out on issues of race, gender, and equality, making her a role model for young fans and a lightning rod for debate.

3. Business Acumen:
Unlike many athletes who leave branding to agents, Reese is hands-on. She negotiates deals, collaborates with designers, and even launched her own clothing line. Her NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings in college were among the highest in the nation, and she’s only expanded her empire in the pros.

4. Cross-Sport Appeal:
Reese’s appeal isn’t limited to basketball. She’s been courted by brands in fashion, music, and entertainment. She’s appeared at award shows, guest-starred on TV, and built a following that rivals athletes in other sports. In short, she’s a celebrity—one whose influence transcends the hardwood.

To appreciate the scale of Reese’s challenge, consider the NFL’s dominance.

The league’s annual revenue exceeds $20 billion. Its TV deals span every major network. Its players are icons, its games are events, its merchandise fills closets across the country. The Super Bowl is watched by over 100 million people worldwide, and NFL stadiums are temples to American sports.

The NFL’s power isn’t just financial—it’s cultural. Football is woven into the fabric of American life, from Friday night lights in small towns to fantasy leagues in office break rooms. Its stars—Mahomes, Brady, Rodgers—are as famous as movie stars. Its controversies, from concussions to social justice protests, shape national conversations.

For decades, the NFL has seemed untouchable. Even as other sports rise and fall, football remains king.

Let’s break down what it would take for Reese—and the WNBA—to fulfill this audacious prediction.

1. Unprecedented Growth

For the WNBA to surpass the NFL, it would need to sustain exponential growth: tripling or quadrupling viewership, attracting billions in sponsorships, and expanding its global reach. This means more teams, bigger arenas, and a media strategy that rivals the NFL’s.

2. Cultural Shift

The league would need to become not just a sports story, but a cultural phenomenon. Reese’s activism, charisma, and influence could drive this, making WNBA games must-see events and turning its stars into icons.

3. Youth Engagement

The future belongs to the young. The WNBA must capture the hearts of Gen Z and Millennials, making basketball the sport of choice for the next generation. Reese’s social media savvy and relatable persona are key here.

4. International Expansion

The NFL is huge in America, but less so abroad. The WNBA, by contrast, has untapped potential in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Reese’s global appeal could help the league build an international fanbase, driving revenue and relevance.

5. Media Revolution

The WNBA must innovate in broadcasting: streaming, interactive content, behind-the-scenes access. Reese’s digital following could help the league pioneer new ways to engage fans, making games accessible anywhere, anytime.

Of course, not everyone buys the hype. Critics point to the NFL’s entrenched position, its massive infrastructure, and its deep cultural roots. “Football is America’s game,” they argue. “Basketball is great, but it’ll never replace the NFL.”

There are practical challenges, too. The WNBA’s season is shorter, its teams fewer, its budgets smaller. The NFL’s marketing machine is unparalleled, and its grip on advertisers and networks is ironclad.

But history teaches us that empires can fall. Baseball once ruled America. Boxing was once the sport of kings. Change is possible—especially in an era of rapid social and technological transformation.

So, could Angel Reese really make the WNBA bigger than the NFL?

Consider the following:

1. The Power of Personality

In the modern media landscape, stars matter more than ever. Reese’s charisma could make her the face of a movement, drawing new fans and reshaping the league’s identity.

2. The Rise of Women’s Sports

Women’s sports are booming. The 2023 Women’s World Cup shattered viewership records. NCAA women’s basketball is outpacing the men in ratings. The WNBA is poised to ride this wave, and Reese is its most marketable star.

3. Social Change

America is changing. Younger generations value diversity, inclusion, and authenticity. Reese embodies these values, making her—and the WNBA—uniquely positioned to capture the zeitgeist.

4. Business Innovation

The WNBA is nimble, innovative, and hungry. With Reese leading the charge, the league could pioneer new business models, partnerships, and fan experiences.

5. The Unexpected

Sports history is full of surprises. Who predicted Serena Williams would revolutionize tennis? Who saw Tiger Woods coming? Reese could be the next transformative figure, and the WNBA her stage.

Reese herself is unfazed by the skeptics. In interviews, she radiates confidence and vision.

“I want to change the game,” she said after her first WNBA triple-double. “Not just for me, but for every girl who dreams of playing at the highest level. I want people to talk about the WNBA the way they talk about the NFL. Why not?”

Her ambitions extend beyond basketball. She talks about building a brand, launching foundations, mentoring young athletes. She wants to be remembered not just as a great player, but as a trailblazer.

And she’s not alone. Fellow stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu are joining her, pushing the league to new heights.

Imagine, for a moment, that Reese delivers on her promise. The WNBA explodes in popularity. Games sell out. TV ratings rival the NFL’s. Sponsors pour in. Young girls across America—and the world—dream of playing in the league.

The impact would be seismic:

Economic Boom: Players earn salaries on par with NFL stars. Women’s sports become a major industry.
Cultural Shift: Basketball becomes the sport of choice for millions, reshaping American identity.
Social Progress: Reese’s activism inspires change, making sports a platform for justice and equality.
Global Reach: The WNBA becomes a global brand, with fans from Tokyo to Lagos.

It’s a future that feels both audacious and achievable—a testament to the power of vision, talent, and relentless ambition.

Can it happen in five years? The timeline is tight, the odds steep. But with Reese leading the charge, anything feels possible.

The next five years will be crucial. The WNBA must capitalize on its momentum, innovate relentlessly, and support its stars. Reese must stay healthy, focused, and committed. Fans, sponsors, and media must rally behind the movement.

If all goes right, the WNBA could become not just bigger than the NFL, but a symbol of what sports—and society—can be.

Angel Reese’s promise is more than a boast—it’s a call to action. It’s a challenge to the status quo, an invitation to dream bigger, play harder, and believe in the impossible.

Whether or not the WNBA overtakes the NFL, Reese has already changed the game. She’s inspired millions, elevated her league, and reminded us all that sports are about more than scores—they’re about hope, ambition, and the courage to chase greatness.

So, as you watch Reese take the court, remember: the future belongs to those who dare to dream. And in basketball, as in life, anything is possible.