What's Happening?
Azurá Stevens, a forward for Rose BC, has been using her TikTok account to connect with fellow players in the Unrivaled women's professional 3-on-3 league in Miami. Stevens, who has played for the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Los Angeles Sparks, began creating TikTok videos while in Chicago, initially solo, before involving her teammates. Her TikTok collaborations have grown to include nearly 20 players, such as WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier. These videos, often light-hearted and fun, allow players to showcase their personalities beyond the court, fostering a deeper connection with fans.
Why It's Important?
The use of TikTok by WNBA players like Stevens highlights a growing trend of athletes leveraging social
media to enhance fan engagement and personal branding. This approach not only humanizes the athletes, making them more relatable to fans, but also helps in promoting the league and its players in a more informal and accessible manner. By showcasing their personalities and camaraderie, players can attract a broader audience, potentially increasing viewership and support for women's basketball. This strategy could also inspire other leagues to adopt similar methods to boost their visibility and fan base.
What's Next?
Stevens aims to collaborate with every player in the Unrivaled league by the end of the season, although she acknowledges the challenge of achieving this goal. Some players, like Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas, have been hesitant to participate, but Stevens remains optimistic about convincing them. The continued success of these TikTok collaborations could lead to more structured social media strategies within the league, potentially involving official partnerships or campaigns to further engage fans and promote the sport.
