Milestones beyond the game
Moments players and their families have chosen to share publicly.
Natasha Howard
Howard became a published author on Sept. 15, 2026 with The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond, coauthored by Deyscha Smith. The memoir traces the obstacles she faced growing up, the basketball career she built, and the fuller life story behind a three-time WNBA champion.
Napheesa Collier
Collier welcomed her daughter, Mila, in 2022 and returned for a WNBA game 74 days later—an experience she has discussed while advocating for players and parents.
Brittney Griner
Griner and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed their son, Bash, in July 2024. Griner has publicly described parenthood as a new source of purpose and motivation.
Breanna Stewart
Stewart and former professional player Marta Xargay married in 2021 and are raising two children, Ruby and Theo, while sharing parts of their family story publicly.
Angel Reese
Reese became the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2025, extending her public presence from basketball into fashion.
Dearica Hamby
Hamby played during pregnancy in the 2022 Finals, took maternity leave in 2023 and returned to continue her professional career as a mother of two.
Skylar Diggins
Diggins returned to the WNBA in 2024 after taking the previous season away for the birth of her second child, then played every regular-season game for Seattle.
Chelsea Gray
Gray and her wife, Tipesa, welcomed their son in February 2024, adding parenthood to a life already shaped by partnership and basketball.
Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike completed her 15th and final WNBA season on Sept. 24 with 17 points and 15 rebounds against Golden State. The double-double was her 19th of 2026, a Sparks single-season record. After the game, Los Angeles announced that its new El Segundo practice facility will be named for her, carrying her name into the franchise’s next era after her playing career ended.