Among the emerging trends of the 2023 season, iced-out statement chains are becoming more popular with the league’s players. Although none of the chains spotted in the WNBA are excessively flashy, chains function as a classic status symbol by solidifying the wearer’s rising success. Aligning with the ascending status of women’s basketball as a whole, this season is the perfect time for statement chains to enter player style. 

The process of owning or customizing a chain is also highly personal, and there’s a sense of pride sparked for someone’s chain, beyond its monetary value. Earlier this season, I was on set for a jersey shoot with players during All-Star Weekend where players were debating whether to wear their chains outside of their jerseys or tucked inside. Players were elated to receive approval to show their chains on top of their jersey, as this isn’t something they can normally do– the league’s handbook states that players are not permitted to wear jewelry on-court, including warm-ups and post-game interviews. 

This week, “The W in Designer” tracks the statement chains that have appeared on players throughout the season. Taking a closer look at their designs, these chains are more than just a status symbol in the context of sport and style; these chains offer another, not-so-subtle way for players to express themselves and their careers. 

For players like Arike Ogunbowale, statement chains offer a way to mark important milestones in her career progress. In previous seasons, Ogunbowale was seen with two smaller chains– a gold, stacked square that was her older logo and a gold “24” chain. Reflecting her rising status as a player, the Dallas Wings guard has debuted a new chain this season with an even bigger, iced-out chain that says “RIKE.” 

Chains also offer a stylish vehicle for players to call attention to their logos and personal branding. Washington Mystics player Natasha Cloud wears a unique, cut-out “Cloud 9” inspired chain that’s inspired by the divine alignment between her last name and jersey number. Players, like Tyasha Harris, who want to debut a logo can also turn to customized chains for a quick visual introduction. This season, Harris has introduced a futuristic “TH” logo in a buss down chain made by Loco the Jeweler in Dallas.

Some of the league’s players aren’t so strategic with their statement chains, with players using their jewelry to enhance their signature style. Erica Wheeler takes a rather simple message with her stand-out chain, which offers an aggressive, eye-catching rendition of her jersey number. Natasha Howard also keeps it simple with two chains that pay homage to her initials and “Flash,” her on-court nickname. Similarly, Destanni Henderson is a master at layering iced-out chains in her pre-game looks, but her chains aren’t always custom designs. Both Wheeler and Henderson rep jewelry from The GLD Shop across social media, which provides another reason to integrate chains into their style.

Looking at a player’s statement chain doesn’t always tell their full story, with several players wearing mysterious custom pieces. Zia Cooke wears a fun “Zia” chain, but it’s unconfirmed whether the design represents a future logo for the rookie player. Allisha Gray also wears an “AG” chain with an amazing design that hasn’t previously been spotted. Then, NaLyssa Smith wears a statement chain with two round pendants, with one containing a photo print that hasn’t been fully revealed. 

On the more accessible side of statement chains for players, a large set of players will transform their jersey number into a beautiful piece of jewelry. Players like Cyesha Goree and Chelsea Gray are always seen with their jersey numbers on their chains in pre-game outfits and press appearances. A’ja Wilson also wears a “22” chain and a smaller necklace with Olympic Rings, which is a common way for athletes to continue celebrating this accolade. Maddy Siegrist also proves that there’s a chain to suit every player’s style with her subtle ‘bussdown’ pendant of her jersey number. 

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs