“All it takes is the right star, the right moment, and the right energy. Angel can bring all of that and more.”

With those words, WNBA legend Brittney Griner ignited one of the most talked-about debates in modern sports. In a recent interview that quickly went viral, Griner made a staggering prediction: Angel Reese has the potential to make the WNBA bigger than the NFL within the next five years.

The statement stunned fans, analysts, and athletes alike. The NFL, after all, is not just a sports league—it is a cultural institution, a multibillion-dollar entertainment empire that dominates American television, advertising, and global sports influence. Suggesting that the WNBA could surpass it sounds almost unthinkable.

And yet, Griner insists she meant every word.

A Statement That Shook the Sports World

Griner, a former No. 1 overall pick, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most dominant centers in basketball history, is no stranger to bold opinions. But even by her standards, this declaration stood out.

Speaking about the future of women’s basketball, Griner emphasized that the league is no longer waiting for permission to grow.

“The game has changed,” she said. “The audience has changed. The stars are different now. Angel Reese is not just a player—she’s a movement.”

Within hours, clips of the quote spread across social media. Headlines questioned whether Griner was exaggerating or offering a genuine glimpse into the future of sports entertainment.

Why Angel Reese?

Angel Reese’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From her championship run in college to her seamless transition into the WNBA, Reese has become one of the most recognizable names in basketball—male or female.

But Griner’s argument goes far beyond statistics.

According to her, Reese represents something the WNBA has never had at this scale before: a star who combines elite performance, unapologetic confidence, cultural relevance, and social media dominance.

Reese is outspoken, emotionally expressive, and deeply connected to younger fans. She embraces criticism rather than shrinking from it, often turning controversy into fuel for her brand. In an era where attention is currency, Reese commands it effortlessly.

“She makes people feel something,” Griner explained. “Love her or hate her, you’re watching. That’s power.”

The Changing Landscape of Sports Fandom

To understand Griner’s prediction, one must look at how sports consumption has evolved.

Younger audiences are moving away from traditional television and toward short-form content, personality-driven narratives, and athletes who feel accessible and authentic. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube now shape sports culture as much as highlight reels and box scores.

Angel Reese thrives in this environment.

Her presence extends beyond the court into fashion, activism, and pop culture. She resonates with fans who see her not just as an athlete, but as a voice—particularly for women who have long felt underrepresented or misunderstood in sports.

The NFL, while still dominant, struggles to connect with Gen Z in the same way. Its stars often feel distant, constrained by corporate messaging and rigid league structures.

Griner believes the WNBA, with players like Reese at the forefront, has the flexibility to adapt faster.

Bigger Than the NFL — Literally or Symbolically?

Critics were quick to push back on Griner’s claim.

From a revenue standpoint, the NFL generates tens of billions of dollars annually, while the WNBA operates on a fraction of that scale. Stadium sizes, television deals, and global reach all heavily favor football.

So what does “bigger” really mean?

Supporters of Griner’s view argue that “bigger” does not necessarily mean more money—at least not immediately. Instead, it could mean greater cultural influence, stronger emotional connection with fans, and a more global, diverse audience.

In that sense, Reese’s impact could redefine what success looks like for a professional sports league.

“She’s not chasing the old model,” one analyst noted. “She’s building a new one.”

The Power of Narrative

One of Griner’s most compelling points is that Angel Reese understands the power of narrative in modern sports.

Every rivalry, every criticism, every viral moment becomes part of a larger story—one that fans follow like a series rather than a season. Reese does not shy away from being labeled controversial; she reframes it as authenticity.

This approach mirrors the rise of other global sports icons whose fame transcended their sport, driven as much by personality and symbolism as by performance.

The WNBA, historically under-marketed and undervalued, may finally have players capable of rewriting its story entirely.

A League at a Turning Point

The WNBA is currently experiencing record-breaking attendance, growing TV viewership, and unprecedented media attention. The arrival of a new generation of stars has injected urgency and excitement into the league.

Griner believes Angel Reese stands at the center of this transformation.

“She doesn’t wait to be celebrated,” Griner said. “She creates her own spotlight.”

If the league continues to invest in marketing, storytelling, and player empowerment, Griner argues that the growth curve could be far steeper than many expect.

Skepticism Remains

Not everyone is convinced.

Some critics argue that comparing the WNBA to the NFL sets unrealistic expectations and invites unnecessary backlash. Others worry that focusing too heavily on individual personalities could overshadow team play and long-term league stability.

Still, even skeptics admit one thing: the conversation itself is evidence of change.

Five years ago, such a prediction would have been dismissed instantly. Today, it sparks genuine debate.

The Bigger Picture

Whether or not the WNBA ever surpasses the NFL in scale, Brittney Griner’s prediction highlights a deeper truth: women’s basketball is no longer asking for attention—it’s commanding it.

Angel Reese symbolizes a generation that refuses to be boxed in, silenced, or softened to fit outdated standards. Her influence extends beyond wins and losses, shaping how sports intersect with identity, culture, and power.

As Griner put it, “The future doesn’t look like the past. And Angel Reese is the future.”

Five years from now, the numbers will tell one story. But the cultural shift may already be underway.