Who, What, Where, Wags?

Last season, The NFL had two goals: expand to become a sport watched worldwide and have more women engaged in football. Little did they know, international pop sensation Taylor Swift would end up dating one of the most profitable tight ends in the league. With Taylor going to the games almost weekly, the NFL didn't even have to worry about marketing as the newest and hottest WAG (wives and girlfriends)  on the planet was bringing in millions of female viewers worldwide. 

Image Courtesy: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Half the fun of sports has become what the WAGs are up to, from their looks to the content and the luxurious lifestyle that follows them. And unpopular opinion: contrary to their partners, they make the sport worth watching. 

You can find a WAG in all sports—football, basketball, tennis, F1—and they've always been around. However, now they can profit from being adjacent to the sport their partner plays.

Kristin Juszczyk is the wife of the San Francisco 49er, Kyle Juszczyk. Juszczyk is a fashion designer who would come to the games in reworked vintage pieces she designed. Her designs caught the eye of celebrities like Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner, propelling her into the spotlight and securing a lucrative deal with the NFL to feature her creations on a grander scale.

Image Courtesy: Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images

And while Juszczyk is one example of a WAG you will see in the sport, the influence of WAGs extends far beyond football, each bringing their brand of glamour and influence. Whether they are social media influencers, pop stars, fellow athletes, or heirs to old money, these women play a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding sports.

Influencers within the tennis sphere, such as Paige Lorenze, Morgan Riddle, and Ayana Broomfield, have become integral to the marketing efforts of ATP events and major tournaments. 

Image Courtesy: Paige Lorenze @ Wimbeldon via Instagram; Getty Images; Costeen Hatzi, Morgan Riddle, and Ayan Broomfield @Aus Open via Instagram

At this year's Miami Open, Paige Lorenze, Tommy Paul's partner, was appointed as the Chief Lifestyle Officer. During this time, she created content for the Miami Open socials showing the tournament's behind-the-scenes and the fun perks and features fans can access. 

At last year's Wimbledon, Morgan Riddle, Taylor Fritz's partner, was tasked by the ATP to show what people were wearing, interacting with fans, players, and other WAGs to get their match outfits of the day.

Influencers make up the majority of recent WAGs, and one worth mentioning is recent TikTok it-girl Alix Earle, who's dating Miami Dolphin wide receiver Braxton Berrios. Earle's content surrounding football focused on "get ready with me's" and sideline photoshoots. Her videos gave fans, especially women, a closer look at the sport, sparking interest in football that they might not have had otherwise.

Image Courtesy: Braxton Berrios vis Instagram

In the past year, the Formula 1 (F1) scene has witnessed a noticeable surge in the attention of WAGs. While most aren't necessarily influencers or celebrities, they play a significant role in the sport's social atmosphere, getting people excited and engaged within the sport.  

Lily Znemier, the partner of driver Oscar Piastri, is carving her path within the world of F1. Currently, a student pursuing a career in engineering, she's securing a position within the F1 industry, which is almost guaranteed due to her connections. 

And everyone's Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, is not without his own significant other. Alexandra Saint Mleux, his girlfriend, is an active content creator on TikTok. Beyond her social media presence, she is also an art student with a popular Instagram account dedicated to showcasing her artistic interests.

Another noteworthy presence in the realm of F1 WAGs is Lily Muni He, the partner of driver Alex Albon. Interestingly, Lily is not just a spectator in the world of sports; she is an athlete in her own right, as a professional golfer. 

Image Curtesy: Lily Muni He via Instagram; Kym Illman / Getty Images; Shica Sports Japan

Speaking of the WAGs, who are athletes themselves, our favorite Olympian, Simone Biles, is married to safety for the Chicago Bears, Jonathan Owens. Recently married in 2023, a proud WAG at that, she was present at all his games last season, giving us the best behind-the-scenes content. 

Let's not overlook some OGs in the world's most popular sport. Take Georgina Rodriguez, the partner of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Rodriguez is a model and influencer who has amassed over 58 million followers on Instagram. In 2022, Netflix launched a reality TV show titled I Am Georgina, which delves into her life, highlighting her career, role as a mother, and, notably, her influence as one of the top soccer WAGs.

Image Courtesy: Jean Catuffe / Getty Images

Taylor Swift isn't the only pop star to grace the presence of football. The icon and OG Ciara, who's married to quarterback Russell Wilson, has been giving us football content and outfit inspiration since 2015. Ciara's presence in the sport has definitely enhanced its appeal and driven a diverse audience to it.  And Ms. Posh Spice, former Spice Girl and now fashion designer, Victoria Beckham, was always seen at the matches of her iconic soccer player husband, David Beckham.

And how could we forget actress and chef Ayesha Curry, married to basketball player Steph Curry? Their relationship dates back to 2008 before Steph was even drafted into the NBA, making her a key figure in his life and career. Since then, she has become a household name, renowned for her iconic cookbook, multiple cooking reality shows, and her ability to provide deeper insights into the world of the NBA.

The focus on the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes has highlighted a major shift within sports. The era of WAGs has revolutionized how we perceive and engage with sports, becoming integral players in the style and culture of sports. 

Strike Out,

Morgann Rhule

Boca Raton

Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is the Web Director and a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green, and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com