Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson have often been mentioned in the “face of the WNBA” debates.
Last month, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the discourse, claiming that the title couldn’t belong to Clark or any one player yet.
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On Sunday, former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant introduced an unexpected name into the discussion.
Dez Bryant Bypasses Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese in Naming WNBA’s Biggest Star
The “face of the WNBA” discussion picked up steam in mid-July when the Los Angeles Lakers icon wrote on Substack that such a title should only be given to a player who has the “on-court and cross-platform dominance of a Michael Jordan or a LeBron James.” The Hall of Famer added that until that baseline is met, the recognition can’t be given to one player.
Former NFL star Robert Griffin III pushed back against Abdul-Jabbar’s claim. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner contended that Clark should have that honor since she is the WNBA’s biggest draw.
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On Sunday, Griffin praised Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles for her dazzling display against no less than the Indiana Fever superstar, prompting Bryant to make a bold claim.
“The Face of the WNBA!” Bryant tweeted.
Miles has arguably been Minnesota’s most valuable player this season. With perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier sidelined for the team’s first 27 games, this year’s No. 2 pick carried the Lynx to an impressive 21-6 record in the absence of their franchise cornerstone.
Miles is averaging 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, making her the frontrunner for the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year award. She also earned an All-Star nod midway through her first year in the pros.
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MORE: ‘Clearly Intentional’ — WNBA World Enraged By Olivia Miles’ ‘Disgusting’ Kick Against Caitlin Clark
In the former Notre Dame and TCU star’s first game against Clark, Miles confirmed what many have been raving about this season. The 5-foot-10 guard finished with a team-high 28 points on 11-for-14 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep, and added 4 rebounds and 6 assists.
Miles got the better of the highly anticipated matchup, finishing well ahead of Clark, who scored 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting, including just 2-for-9 from beyond the arc. When Indiana trimmed the deficit to 100-98 with just over two minutes remaining, Miles and fellow All-Star Courtney Williams answered with decisive plays to seal Minnesota’s 108-100 victory.
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After outplaying Clark and leading the Lynx to a big win, Bryant is introducing Miles as his pick for the rightful new “face of the WNBA.”
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
