The Group Chat: More than a plus-one

A few ultra-famous wives and girlfriends (aka WAGs) of pro athletes have brought the group national attention in the last few years (hi, Taylor Swift, Simone Biles, and Cardi B, just to name a few). And while the acronym gets undue criticism, WAGs are changing the game, helping shape what it means to be a female sports fan.

• From their fashion to their love stories to their hidden talents, there’s a lot more to discuss than just a few letters — and no one knows it better than Maddy Sells of the viral social media account WAGTalk.

• We chatted with Sells about why she’s obsessed with the partners of the world’s greatest athletes and how they impact sports culture. Time to fall in love.

Pro athletes are no stranger to the spotlight, but that’s not always the case for the women who support them. “I noticed that partners of athletes often stand to the side and just observe their partner being interviewed,” Sells says. “They are more than plus-ones. They are current and former athletes, accomplished models, and more. These women deserve a platform, and I am happy to help give them one.”

• In some (misogynictic) circles, WAGs even have a bad reputation — think of every rude guy you’ve ever heard call a woman a “jersey chaser.” Sells knows that couldn’t be further from the truth.

• “They also are so much more than just the partner of their significant other. There are doctors who are WAGs, teachers, activists, artists, elite athletes, and more. Put some respect on their names!”

And that’s how WAGTalk was born. Sells goes from game to game, quizzing WAGs across pro sports about their partners’ careers and giving them a share of the spotlight. The account is especially popular with women fans and has created some major viral moments — namely, the officially official confirmation of Pazzi, the romance between women’s hoops stars and former UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.

• “There were definitely hints of their relationship long before my video, but…I wanted to officially confirm [with] Paige herself, which I was able to do in my video. I am so grateful and lucky that Paige felt comfortable enough to do the interview with me, and I love the waves it made across the sports world.”

Why do people love learning about WAGs? Our theory: They demonstrate passionate female fandom in a sports culture that isn’t always welcoming to women. WAGs are at every game, knowing every detail of the action (think Taylor Swift bringing young girls into NFL fandom and showing them that being a football nerd is cool), and they look good while doing it.

• In fact, WAG fashion is a major phenomenon. Sells specifically highlighted two basketball WAGs who are slaying on the sidelines: “My personal favorite game day looks come from Jordyn Woods [girlfriend of NY Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns]. She has her own fashion brand now with amazing pieces, and the outfits she pulls up to sit courtside at MSG in are incredible.

• “...An underrated best-dressed WAG who shows out for games too is LaLa Ronay, [Dallas Wings star] Arike [Ogunbowale]’s fiancée. Her looks never miss, and she does amazing custom nails too.”

The WAG lifestyle seems glamorous, but Sells points out that it comes with real challenges. “These women are human beings with real feelings and are subject to so much public scrutiny. I wish everyone could give each other a lot more grace,” she says. “Behind the scenes, they provide critical emotional support for their partners in the spotlight who deal with relentless public criticism and commentary.

• “They also often deal with the logistical hurdles — packing up and moving homes, building community in a new place, and managing new school registration — that can accompany a midseason trade. I've also met multiple WAGs who have helped their partners recover through injury.” The real MVPs.

The next WAG on Sells’ dream interview list? “Being a huge basketball and female rapper fan, I have to go with Megan Thee Stallion. Her and [Dallas Maverick] Klay [Thompson]’s relationship has been so sweet to see glimpses of on social media, and the two of them are extraordinarily talented in their fields.” We will be so sat.