The Group Chat: Tunnel vision

The WNBA’s 29th season promises to be its biggest, most star-studded yet. And as the league grows its cultural footprint, the outfits players wear as they arrive at the arena — aka tunnel ’fits — are becoming central to the W’s undeniably cool identity.

• So today, in celebration of the league’s on-court action and off-court impact, we’re going deep on tunnel ’fits and the ways players use fashion to express themselves while expanding the league’s reach. A true slay.

Pre-game fashion statements, aka tunnel ’fits, have become a centerpiece of W culture. Pro women’s hoopers were making runways out of stadium entrances before it was a thing — and now the rest of the sports world has followed suit.

• Players like A’ja Wilson, DiJonai Carrington, Arike Ogunbowale, and Breanna Stewart (we could go on and on) sometimes garner as much attention for their ’fits as they do for their on-court stats.

• These viral looks bring new fans to the game, engage current fans in a unique way, and make for great social content, which all fuel growth for the league, plus its teams and athletes. But just as importantly, they help players feel like they can be themselves.

There’s a limit to how much players can express themselves on the court, where they represent the team and are constrained by uniform-related rules (for instance, they’re not allowed to wear any jewelry during games). Impromptu pre-game fashion shows are built-in moments where they can show fans who they really are.

That opportunity for self-expression also helps to showcase the diversity in the W. From shouting out heroes and hometowns to proudly playing with femme and masc presentations, these pre-game ’fits aren’t just about looking good. They allow players to bring their authentic selves to the games — in turn, contributing to the W’s rep as the most inclusive league around.

Fans aren’t the only ones taking notice when athletes weave together authenticity and high fashion — brands see it, too. Stylists who work with W stars note that fashion houses now jump to dress them and send them products.

• Players’ meticulous and creative approach to personal style can also land them major brand deals, like the Urban Decay x LA Sparks collab highlighting forward Cameron Brink.

• What’s more, thanks to their pre-game fashion shows, W players are now considered heavyweights in the fashion world. Take their invites to this year’s Met Gala, or the 2025 WNBA Draft Orange Carpet landing a feature in Vogue.

As studies show that women’s sports fans, especially Gen Zers, are increasingly invested in athletes’ off-court personas and influenced by their fashion and beauty routines, tunnel ’fits represent big business opportunities for the league’s best dressed.

Even if you can’t dress in head-to-toe Chanel like Skylar Diggins, you can take inspiration from W stars by following the styles they wear, or by bucking trends altogether and embracing your individualism. If there’s one takeaway from tunnel ’fits’ rise as a cultural phenomenon, it’s the value of embracing your own style to be the best, most confident version of yourself.

• Tuning into tunnel ’fits also upgrades the fan experience: It’s more fun to engage with on-court action when you feel like you know the players on a personal level, and fans can feel more represented when they see their style reflected in a pre-game look.

And last but not least, take a page from the W’s playbook and turn everyday moments — like showing up to work — into opportunities for self-expression. Anywhere can be a runway when you bring your most authentic self…plus maybe a pair of A’Ones.