Who Is the WNBA Logo? Fans Think They Know

Fans have debated the WNBA logo’s identity since its debut. Is it based on a real player, or is it just a mystery? Here’s what we know.

February 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

The WNBA logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in women’s sports, but who is it based on? Since its redesign in 2019, fans have debated whether the silhouette represents a specific player or if it’s simply a generic figure.

Despite the league insisting it’s not modeled after anyone, speculation continues, especially after the WNBA itself fueled the conversation with a Twitter poll.

Over the years, the league has undergone two major rebrands, in 2013 and 2019, each reflecting the evolving landscape of women’s basketball. Today, we’re diving into the story behind the logo, its design, and the debate over which player, if any, served as its inspiration.

Is the WNBA Logo Based on a Player?

Since unveiling its updated logo in 2019, the WNBA has faced a persistent question from fans: Who is the silhouette?

The official answer? No one.

According to the league and the design agency behind the logo, the new silhouette wasn’t modeled after any specific player. Instead, the goal was to create a modern, dynamic, and free-flowing representation of a basketball player, shaped by input from WNBA athletes.

The designers crafted hundreds of sketches before landing on the final version—but they insist no single player served as the basis for the logo.

Fans Think Otherwise 👀

Despite the WNBA’s official stance, fans weren’t convinced.

To fuel the conversation, the league even ran a Twitter poll, asking fans to vote on who they believed inspired the new logo. The options? Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, Kiah Stokes, and Diana Taurasi.

🏆 Diana Taurasi won the poll, receiving 41.3% of the vote, followed by Candace Parker (27.5%) and Elena Delle Donne (26.9%).

In a 2019 panel interview with The Undefeated, WNBA stars Sue Bird and Kia Nurse weighed in on the debate:

Kia Nurse: "The WNBA put out four options on Twitter, and one of them was my teammate Kiah Stokes. I was like, ‘That’s not her.’ Then I thought, ‘OK, the bun…’ So it’s either Diana Taurasi or Elena Delle Donne."

Sue Bird: "The bun could be Diana. The movement? I’ve heard people say Kiah Stokes. But they’ll never admit it was somebody anyway, so it won’t matter."

While we may never get an official confirmation, Taurasi’s legendary career, signature bun, and dominant play style make her a fan-favorite choice.

The WNBA logo has changed three times since the league launched in 1997, each redesign marking a shift in the league’s identity.

  • 🛡️ Inspired by the NBA’s Jerry West silhouette, the league’s first logo featured a slanted shield, designed to convey speed and movement.

  • 🎨 The red, white, and blue color scheme mirrored the NBA’s branding, reinforcing the WNBA’s connection to its parent league.

  • 👩🏽 Most notably, the player’s silhouette was distinctly feminine, differentiating it from the NBA’s version.

2013–2019: A Bold New Look

  • 🔥 In 2013, the league introduced a major rebrand, replacing the shield with a vertical rectangular logo to create a more modern identity.

  • 🟠 The color palette shifted to orange and oatmeal, matching the WNBA’s signature basketball.

  • ⛹🏿‍♀️ The silhouette, now with a ponytail, showed a player attacking the basket—a nod to the league’s growing athleticism.

While the league never confirmed a player as the inspiration, Sue Bird’s name frequently surfaced as a possible influence.

  • 🟧 The iconic orange silhouette became the league’s centerpiece, symbolizing empowerment, diversity, and athleticism.

  • 👱🏽‍♀️The player’s high-bun hairstyle reflects how many WNBA athletes wear their hair, fostering a sense of unity.

  • 🚀 Unlike the NBA logo, the WNBA player is no longer confined within a frame, representing freedom, movement, and “basketball on our terms.”

With this rebrand, the league aimed to better engage with younger fans (ages 16-34) while reinforcing its position as a culturally relevant, socially conscious force in sports.

The WNBA Logo’s Cultural Impact

Regardless of who (if anyone) inspired the silhouette, the WNBA logo has become a powerful symbol of the league’s identity.

One of the most recognizable pieces of WNBA merchandise today? The iconic orange hoodie.

Worn by LeBron James, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and even Kobe Bryant courtside with his daughter Gianna, the hoodie has transcended basketball to become a cultural statement of support for women’s sports.

The bright orange color and dynamic player silhouette have helped the WNBA stand out from other leagues, making it an instantly recognizable and respected brand.

Final Thoughts

The mystery of the WNBA logo may never be officially solved, but one thing is certain:

🏀 It represents the league’s strength, growth, and impact.

And whether it’s based on Diana Taurasi, a composite of many players, or no one at all—fans will always have their theories.

What do YOU think?

So, what do you think? Cast your vote in the poll above and let us know who YOU believe is behind the WNBA logo!

Who do you think the WNBA logo is based on?

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