WNBA’s tunnel fits celebrate creative and artistic expressions of individuality

Carrington’s much-anticipated arrival reflected the individuality that thrives in today’s social media-driven world. The WNBA’s tunnel fits — pregame outfits that players showcase in arena tunnels — have become a cultural phenomenon celebrating diversity and inclusivity. These entrance tunnels have evolved into fashion runways, with players arriving at games looking like they’ve just stepped off the stage at Paris Fashion Week, showcasing the latest styles and designer brands like Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Burberry and Balmain.

“There’s not too much preparation, honestly, that goes into it,” said Carrington when asked how long it takes her to select her pregame fit. “Just whatever vibe I’m feeling. I try to switch it up, but I always keep it cute. Keep it true to me, right? I think it’s cool.”

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Following pregame media availability, Carrington shared a moment with Liberty broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude before the Sun took on the Liberty. The pair hugged and reminisced about their time at Stanford, of both wearing No. 21. Then Carrington shifted the discussion, reminding Gold-Onwude that one of the first conversations they had when they met was regarding fashion.

“It’s more of an opportunity now for storytelling about who these players are, and fashion is a great expression of that,” New York Liberty broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude said. “I find that the WNBA is unique in the sense that there are many expressions of self. There’s a diversity of fashion styles and expressions of femininity.”

Player arrivals have long been a highlight in other leagues, but the WNBA has elevated this tradition to new heights. Teams have fully embraced the opportunity to spotlight their players as they walk into the arena, ready to compete. The stylish, elegant and eye-catching tunnel fits are more than just fashion statements — they’re a creative and artistic expression of individuality, seamlessly blending fashion, beauty and culture.

The excitement of seeing what players will wear to the games resembles the thrill of watching those three dots appear in a text message, waiting for a response from someone you’re eager to hear from.

“There are different body types,” Gold-Onwude added. “So, the pregame walk-in is exciting because you could see a tall girlie, you could see a shorter girl. You could see a voluptuous woman [or] a muscle woman. You could see a ‘papi’ as Natasha Cloud likes to say. You could see studs. You can see the most feminine girls who look like they’re walking in high-fashion couture. These women are naturally scintillating and invigorating. This is a great brand and business opportunity for these women.”

Like the sport itself has its pioneers, WNBA players have always ripped the runways, transformed tunnels into catwalks and landed modeling contracts, creating a tapestry of fashion excellence transcending generations.

Former WNBA player Tina Thompson always wore bright red lipstick when she played, an icon of expression and empowerment. Her smile lit up arenas. Lisa Leslie appeared in mainstream fashion shoots, working with prominent fashion designers like Anne Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Armani. 

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith walked runways in college at Notre Dame and has always been a major fashion influencer. She has her fashion line with Puma. Sky rookie sensation Angel Reese has raised the bar, even attending the Met Gala the night after playing in a preseason game. Reese has changed the game with her major deals with Reebok, Reese’s Pieces and Good American.

Diggins-Smith, Carrington, Kelsey Plum, Cameron Brink and Candace Parker appeared in the WNBA’s SKIMs marketing campaign. Two-time league MVP A’ja Wilson has arrived at games in custom outfits from Heaven Jarrett, a Black-owned brand in New York City. Lately, she’s come to games in a white t-shirt, which has set X, formerly Twitter, on fire. Wilson has scored 40 or more points twice and made a game-winning basket against the Chicago Sky over the last two weeks.

“I’ve always seen basketball as a Mecca of pop culture when it came to fashion, music and technology slang,” Diggins-Smith told The Next last month before a game against the Washington Mystics. “People are just now seeing the WNBA like that. I’ve always felt like we influenced that realm. And so, the fits changed a little bit from what you’re going to look like; you’re going to sit in a suite or cubicle to something with that swag. Everybody’s style is expanding.”

The fashion the players wear is universal and often tells a unique, personal story for each one. Some arrive at games glammed up as if heading to a gala, while others opt for a more casual appearance with jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. Every style is embraced, reflecting the WNBA’s diverse group of athletes, each with a distinct approach to fashion relatable to any fan’s favorite player.

“It’s cool just to have that kind of self-expression to show the world how you dress,” Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa shared in the postgame press conference after a road victory over the New York Liberty. “For those who are watching, our expressions are fun. There are so many things to highlight, not only basketball-wise with W, but off the court, too. And so that’s one of those ways I think it’s cool for the fans to see how players show themselves.”

In many ways, these players bring rap lyrics to life, embodying the luxury brands often name-dropped by artists like Jay-Z, Lil Baby, Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar. Who could forget Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic song “Hypnotize,” where he seamlessly mentioned DKNY, Versace, Moschino and Coogi in four consecutive unforgettable bars? Nicki Minaj has also celebrated everything from Rolex watches to red-bottom Louboutins, listing off the designer drips that shine the brightest.

The Connecticut Sun announced a partnership with Lux Bond & Green, a local jewelry company. The company provides jewelry to the Sun players to wear with their drip as they arrive for games. LB&G president & CEO John Green shared in a press release that the collaboration with the Sun celebrates women who love jewelry and working together to achieve greatness.

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins is into fashion and has created a custom “Garments & Goods” design that’s unique to her. The Mystics sold some of her styles this season during an earlier home game. Mystics rookie Aaliyah Edwards joked that they have to get Atkins some better road fits.

“I enjoy it,” said Atkins, focusing on the increased attention to players’ tunnel fits. “I definitely don’t do it every single game because there’s some games, I feel like it doesn’t work … I feel like more people are into figuring out their own styles, and they’re super expressive about it. We got people on our team here that I don’t necessarily know if they’re into fashion, but they are super stylish. And I think there’s a beautiful opportunity. You got some that are into high fashion and stylish. Some people just can be comfortable, and there’s some people that just want to feel good, look good so they can play good. So, I think the biggest thing about it is being able to express their personalities and how they enjoy clothing and what that means to them — jewelry and shoes. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a brand and another outlet.”

What the players wear to games also has a significant meaning for those who are into it. There are Twitter and Instagram sites dedicated to WNBA fashion. The Chicago Sky has a dedicated TikTok page for their tunnel fits. Those sites have grown significantly during the season. Each team watermarks its official fit photos for social media with its logo.

“It also sends an important message — which I think the W, just by its existence, sends this message — of be who you are and come as you are,” Liberty broadcaster Zora Stephenson said. “And if there’s anything we should teach young girls, young kids, it’s be who you are and come as you are.”

“Those tunnel fits, we love them, and they’re fly. You get some ideas from them. Those ladies are going high-end, right? So, you get an idea and must see if Target has an affordable version. They’re fashion icons. I love that they’re expressing themselves.”

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The WNBA, which has experienced a surge in television viewership, attendance and commercial interest this season, is taking advantage of the captivating content to showcase its players. They are walking billboards for Steve Madden, Kate Spade, Tom Ford, Balenciaga and Margiela Tabi. The tunnel fits are some of the most highly viewed reels on the WNBA’s Instagram account, which enhances social media engagement as well as interest in the league.

“On the court, for the most part, we look pretty uniformed,” Carrington said. “I mean, people may have different accessories that they wear on the court, but I think during our tunnel fits is where you get to see kind of our personalities and vibes in real life, which gives fans a little glimpse into who we are.”

The Next’s Jenn Hatfield contributed reporting to this article.