WNBA's Orange Carpet Kicked Off All-Star Weekend With A Bang
Our take
The WNBA's return of the Orange Carpet for All-Star Weekend signals a fascinating shift in the league's visibility and, crucially, its understanding of its own cultural power. It’s more than just a red carpet equivalent; the vibrant orange hue feels inherently *WNBA*, a deliberate visual distinction that strengthens brand identity. We've seen this kind of elevated style moment gain traction across professional sports, and it’s encouraging to see the WNBA embracing it with such clear intention. The level of thought put into athlete styling—evident in the diverse range of looks from A’ja Wilson to Gabby Williams—echoes the increasing sophistication we're witnessing in sports fashion generally, a trend highlighted by the recent buzz around Lamine Yamal’s stylist and the unexpectedly chic influence they’re having Fun Fact: Lamine Yamal’s Stylist Has an Incredibly Famous Sister. This isn't about manufactured hype; it’s about acknowledging the athletes' individual style and allowing it to shine, reflecting a broader cultural moment where personal expression takes precedence.
The deliberate move towards a distinct style platform also speaks to a growing recognition of the WNBA’s ability to cultivate a unique aesthetic. The league’s image has long been defined by athleticism and skill, which remains, of course, paramount. However, the Orange Carpet demonstrates a strategic effort to expand that perception, positioning the WNBA and its players as style influencers in their own right. It’s a departure from the often-utilitarian styling seen in other leagues, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of how visual presentation can amplify a brand's message. Observe, too, the broader trend of elevated accessories taking hold – a subtle but significant shift in how individuals, even in fashion capitals like London, New York, and Paris, are curating their looks Suddenly, Fashion People in London, NYC and Paris Are Elevating Their Outfits With This Sought-After Accessory. The WNBA’s visual choices are clearly resonating with a wider audience, demonstrating that high-performance sportswear can coexist beautifully with high fashion.
What's particularly compelling about this development is its grounding in authenticity. The players aren't simply being dressed up; they’re showcasing their personalities and individual tastes. This echoes the broader trend of “method-meets-naked dressing,” where style choices are deeply intertwined with character and narrative—a concept Zendaya brilliantly exemplified with her vintage Versace "Spider-Man" look Zendaya’s Vintage Versace 'Spider-Man' Look Is Method-Meets-Naked Dressing. The Orange Carpet isn't a forced display of glamour, but a celebration of confidence and self-expression. It’s a moment where the athletes get to define themselves, not just as basketball players, but as multifaceted individuals with distinct style sensibilities. This carefully curated styling is an extension of their power and an acknowledgement that their influence extends far beyond the court.
Ultimately, the WNBA Orange Carpet represents a calculated and successful investment in brand building. It’s a smart move to elevate the league’s visual presence and cater to a growing audience that appreciates both athletic prowess and personal style. The question now is: how will the WNBA maintain this momentum? Will the Orange Carpet become an annual standard, or will the league explore other avenues for showcasing the players' individual style? The continued evolution of this visual strategy will be a key indicator of the WNBA’s long-term cultural impact and its ability to solidify its position as a leader in both sports and style.
The WNBA’s AT&T All-Star Weekend made its return on Thursday night, beginning on a stylish note thanks to women’s basketball’s leading stars. The event — which celebrates the league’s top talents across multiple events, including the WNBA All-Star Game — kicked off with its signature Orange Carpet in Chicago. For the occasion, numerous athletes chose outfits with a bounty of modern and eye-catching details.
Fearless fashion was front and center for the sporty evening. Fresh off her winning streak at this year’s ESPYs, A’ja Wilson led the carpet in a sheer black dress and matching gloves. Equally daring lace and leather were incorporated in outfits for stars like DiJonai Carrington and Gabby Williams. Others, including Paige Bueckers and Kelsey Plum, updated classic
The event provided a moment for both classic and statement accessories to shine, too. Sculptural cuff bracelets, diamond earrings, and gold chains adorned numerous guests, while black pointed-toe pumps were the night’s most popular shoe choice. Clutches ranging from metallics to faux fur, as seen on rising Toronto Tempo star Marina Mabrey, also drew the eye. Plus, plenty of Coach bags were toted by basketball powerhouses like Azzi Fudd, Flau'jae Johnson, and Lauren Betts, continuing the American brand’s partnership with the league.
Scroll on for more of the boldest, brightest, and sparkliest looks from the 2026 WNBA Orange Carpet.
A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson embraced sheer dressing in a strapless black dress covered in geometric embellishments. Matching gloves, fringed diamond earrings, and classic black pumps completed the Las Vegas Aces star’s sultry yet formal look.
Gabby Williams
The two-time WNBA All-Star returned to the Orange Carpet in a gathered leather top and matching gloves. Low pumps with gold metal straps and a black high-low skirt finished Williams’ ensemble. Sculpted cuffs, a gold clutch, and a thin lariat necklace brought the Golden State Valkyries forward’s look a gilded touch.
Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum revamped sartorial style with modern nods to tailoring, hitting the carpet in long gray shorts and a striped top reminiscent of a men’s necktie. The Los Angeles Sparks star’s outfit was cinched by a black leather belt, creating an hourglass silhouette. She further elevated the set with a black Liffner clutch and burgundy slingback heels.
Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers loves a good suit, and brought a summer-ready take on her signature look to WNBA’s All-Star Weekend. The Dallas Wings guard paired a sleeveless blue button-up top with a silky tie and draped beige trousers. White sneakers and thin tortoiseshell sunglasses gave the pieces a more contemporary feel.
Nneka Ogwumike
Allover sparkle always makes a statement — just ask Nneka Ogwumike. The Los Angeles Sparks star shone in a green and purple one-sleeved dress, complete with dramatic asymmetric fringe. She finished her look with silver square-toed mules and timeless diamond studs.
Lauren Betts
Lauren Betts kept things simple in a sparkly black dress with a rounded neckline and angular hem. The Washington Mystics star finished the look with black kitten heels, plus a leather Coach Tabby bag.
Flau’jae Johnson
Seattle Storm guard Flau'jae Johnson also carried a black Coach Tabby bag on the red carpet. The mini-sized accessory was a perfect complement to her spotted yellow jacket and pants, which were layered over a black tube top and paired with leather sneakers. Gleaming diamond necklaces and drop earrings gave the look a dash of glamour.
Marina Mabrey
For her first WNBA Orange Carpet, Marina Mabrey wore a graphic sweater from indie label Grévyi. She dressed up the pink-and-white-striped piece with a sequined black miniskirt, sleek patent leather pumps, and chunky gold jewelry. A fluffy maroon clutch and oversized sunglasses brought a burst of whimsy to the Toronto Tempo player’s outfit.
Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd, who was this year’s first WNBA Draft pick, brought grungy summer style to the Orange Carpet in a black leather bralette and distressed blue jeans. A gray gingham blazer and quilted Coach Tabby bag polished the Dallas Wings star’s look, which she finished with black heels and layered gold pendants.
DiJonai Carrington
Always one for a sleek ensemble, DiJonai Carrington wore a sheer floral lace catsuit on the Orange Carpet. The daring piece was layered over a black bodysuit, which the Chicago Sky forward boosted with clear lucite bangles and glossy PVC sandals. A shiny silver clutch and diamond jewelry elegantly rounded out her attire.
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