The world of the NBA is not just defined by the slam dunks and three-pointers on the hardwood. A significant part of the league's glamour and cultural impact comes from the powerful women standing beside the stars. These partners, often referred to as WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends), are no longer just in the background. In 2025, they have carved out formidable identities of their own, amassing millions of followers and building empires that rival the fame of their athlete partners.
The New Era of NBA Partners: Beyond Beauty and Glamour
Gone are the days when NBA partners were seen merely as accessories. Today's WAGs are accomplished professionals, savvy entrepreneurs, and social media moguls in their own right. They come from diverse fields including modelling, culinary arts, fitness, and philanthropy. While their relationships with NBA icons bring them into the limelight, it is their individual charm, intelligence, and ambition that have cemented their status as influential figures. This shift highlights a trend where personal brand building goes hand-in-hand with their supportive roles.
Ranking the Top 5 NBA WAGs by Instagram Influence
Instagram serves as the primary platform where these women connect with fans and promote their ventures. Here is a look at the five most influential NBA WAGs based on their massive Instagram followership in 2025.
1. Megan Thee Stallion (32.7 Million Followers)
Topping the list is the Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Although she is a global music superstar dating an NBA player, her inclusion in WAG lists underscores the evolving definition of the term. With a staggering 32.7 million followers on Instagram, her influence is monumental. Her presence brings a unique blend of musical stardom and sports culture, making her one of the most followed partners associated with the NBA circuit.
2. Jordyn Woods (11.7 Million Followers)
Jordyn Woods is a reality TV star, model, and social media personality famously linked to Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns. With 11.7 million followers, she has successfully transitioned her early fame into a thriving entrepreneurial career. Woods runs her own fitness and fashion businesses, demonstrating a keen business acumen. The couple is widely admired for their supportive and public relationship, often sharing their journey with fans.
3. Ayesha Curry (7.8 Million Followers)
Ayesha Curry, wife of Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry, is a powerhouse of talent. She is a celebrated chef, television personality, actress, and entrepreneur behind the lifestyle brand Sweet July. Her Instagram following of 7.8 million is a testament to her relatable content about family, food, and business. Ayesha has masterfully balanced her role as a mother of four with a successful career, hosting cooking shows and launching successful business ventures, making her an inspiration to many.
4. Katya Elise Henry (7.3 Million Followers)
Katya Elise Henry, girlfriend of Miami Heat's Tyler Herro, is a renowned fitness model and entrepreneur. She has built a dedicated following of 7.3 million on Instagram by sharing her fitness journey, family life with Herro and their two children, and promoting her workout brand, WBK Fit. Regularly featured on 'Top NBA WAGs' lists, Katya is celebrated for her vibrant personality and her ability to inspire others through fitness and motherhood.
5. Savannah James (2.5 Million Followers)
Savannah James, the wife of NBA icon LeBron James, is the epitome of grace and enterprise. With 2.5 million followers, she uses her platform to highlight her philanthropic work, business ventures like the furniture line Home Court, and her beauty initiative Reframe Beauty. Known for her steadfast support of LeBron since their high school days, Savannah has meticulously built her own legacy as a philanthropist and businesswoman, all while maintaining a strong, private family life.
Building Legacies Beyond the Basketball Court
The narrative around NBA partners has fundamentally changed. These women are leveraging their platforms to become role models, business leaders, and advocates. They are proving that influence derived from association can be powerfully amplified by genuine talent and hard work. Their stories are not just about who they are married to or dating; they are about the empires they are building, the communities they are supporting, and the independent identities they have forged in the public eye. This trend is set to continue, inspiring a new generation to look at the partners of athletes as successful individuals first.
