Hollywood is finally waking up to the cultural dominance of the WNBA, showcasing genuine fandom and high-profile support rather than just photo ops.
Insiders say the shift from casual fans to team investors like Tom Brady and Serena Williams proves the league’s valuation is skyrocketing, making courtside seats a new status symbol.
Zendaya attended Game 5 on Oct. 26; the Valkyries won 64-55; Tom Brady invested in the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
The WNBA isn't just a league anymore; it's the hottest ticket in town, and the A-listers know exactly where the leverage lies.
If you thought celebrity fandom was just about wearing a jersey for Instagram, think again. Zendaya was spotted at Chase Center on October 26, not just posing, but aggressively beating inflatable thunder sticks while wearing a violet T-shirt to support the Golden State Valkyries. The Oakland native didn't hold back, rooting for her hometown team as they faced off against the Atlanta Dream in Game Five of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
This wasn't a passive appearance; it was a display of genuine engagement that underscores how deeply basketball runs in her family DNA. Zendaya’s connection to the court is no secret. In a 2021 interview with Extra, the *Euphoria* star revealed her mother is 6-foot-4 and played college basketball, even breaking rebound records.
"I was supposed to be a basketball player. That didn't obviously work out," Zendaya joked, noting that her father, a former coach, is still "upset" about her career pivot. Her presence at the finals highlights a broader trend where stars are leveraging their platforms to champion women's sports, moving beyond casual support to vocal advocacy.
But Zendaya isn’t the only big name courtside. The 2026 Finals have become a magnet for Hollywood elite, with Kerry Washington, Ludacris, and Megan Rapinoe all spotted cheering on their respective teams. Aubrey Plaza, a longtime New York Liberty fan, was also part of the mix, continuing her tradition of attending games.
Jason Sudeikis, known for his *Ted Lasso* role, was seen supporting the Liberty and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, proving that his off-screen persona is just as committed to the hardwood as his fictional coach. The drama extends beyond the sidelines into the boardroom, where ownership stakes are becoming the ultimate celebrity flex. Tom Brady acquired an interest in the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, while Serena Williams invested in the Toronto Tempo in 2025.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have backed the Chicago Sky since 2023, and Karlie Kloss joined the Liberty’s investor group in 2025. This financial commitment signals a serious shift: the WNBA is no longer a niche interest but a prime asset class that the biggest names in entertainment are eager to claim.
