In a declaration that has left the sports world divided, stunned, and undeniably intrigued, WNBA star Brittney Griner has ignited a firestorm of conversation after boldly proclaiming that the WNBA will surpass the NFL in popularity within just five years—and at the center of that meteoric rise, she says, will be none other than Angel Reese, the breakout basketball sensation who has already become a household name.

The jaw-dropping statement came during a recent interview where Griner, never one to shy away from controversy or conviction, doubled down on her belief that the women’s game is at a historic turning point—and that Angel Reese is the spark that’s about to light the whole league on fire.

“We’re watching the future unfold in real time,” Griner said. “Angel Reese isn’t just a player—she’s a movement. She’s got the charisma, the game, the edge, and the cultural impact. She’s what the WNBA needs to go mainstream, and it’s already happening.”

From LSU to League Savior?

Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence, signature trash talk, and viral moments on and off the court, made headlines during her NCAA run with LSU. But according to Griner, what Reese brings to the WNBA is more than just skill—it’s attitude, marketability, and a magnetic presence that resonates with Gen Z and beyond.

“People compare Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese like it’s a rivalry,” Griner added. “But the truth is, Reese is doing something bigger. She’s shaking up the culture.”

Griner’s claim comes as Angel Reese’s social media following has exploded, her jersey sales have surged, and TV ratings for games involving her team have seen noticeable spikes. With millions of young fans—particularly Black women and girls—looking to Reese as a symbol of empowerment and expression, the numbers may not be far behind the hype.

Can the WNBA Really Catch the NFL?

The NFL is a multi-billion-dollar empire, dominating TV ratings, stadium attendance, and merchandise sales. So for Griner to even suggest that the WNBA could surpass it is, to many, pure fantasy—or pure genius, depending on who you ask.

Skeptics were quick to mock the statement on social media, calling it “delusional” and “wishful thinking.” But others, including athletes, activists, and media figures, are applauding Griner’s vision as a bold challenge to the status quo in American sports.

“It’s not about numbers today,” one sports journalist tweeted. “It’s about influence, relevance, and who owns the cultural conversation. And right now, Angel Reese and the WNBA are entering that arena.”

The Power of Pop Culture and Provocation

Griner also emphasized that mainstream success isn’t just about wins and stats—it’s about presence and personality. And in that department, Reese is unrivaled. With her ongoing public spats, viral interviews, and fashion-forward appearances, she’s built a brand that transcends basketball.

From Vogue shoots to endorsement deals, Angel Reese is being positioned as the face of a generation, much like Serena Williams or Megan Rapinoe once were. And in Griner’s eyes, that’s exactly what the WNBA needs to dethrone the NFL as America’s favorite sport.

The Griner Effect: A Pattern of Provocation?

This isn’t the first time Brittney Griner has ruffled feathers with her outspoken views. A former No. 1 draft pick, Olympic gold medalist, and a survivor of international imprisonment, Griner has long stood as a lightning rod in American sports, using her platform to speak out on everything from racial justice to LGBTQ+ rights to gender equity.

But this latest statement may be her most radical yet—one that some call reckless, while others call revolutionary.

“She’s speaking a truth a lot of people aren’t ready to hear,” said a WNBA insider. “Angel Reese is making noise, and Brittney’s just letting the world know: it’s time to listen.”

So… Could It Really Happen?

Could the WNBA surpass the NFL in five years?

Statistically, it seems impossible. But culturally? That’s a different story.

With Angel Reese drawing new eyes to the league, Caitlin Clark rewriting the playbook, and veterans like Griner fueling the fire with bold, headline-grabbing declarations, one thing is certain: the WNBA is no longer in the shadows.

And if Griner’s prophecy comes true, we may soon look back on this moment—not as a wild prediction—but as the turning point that changed sports history forever.