Over the past decade, there has been tremendous growth at the intersection of sport and gaming, with professional sports leagues such as the NBA investing in their own version of professional gaming through their esports leagues. These investments allow leagues and teams to tap into a new type of consumer and fanbase, which has undoubtably similarly benefited the individual players who are featured in the game titles. That being said, until the release of NBA 2K20, women basketball players were not prominently featured in any major video game title. Importantly, since NBA 2K20 was released, WNBA players have been consistently featured within every NBA 2K game, including the recently released NBA 2K25 version.

The recent release of NBA2K25, features some of the top stars in the WNBA, and there is even an option to purchase an NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition of the game. For the 2025 release, WNBA stars such as A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese have been featured prominently in marketing and promotional efforts. Moreover, the decision to spotlight WNBA players so centrally in NBA 2K25 comes at a time when women’s basketball is experiencing historic growth in popularity and media attention.

The recent NCAA women’s basketball tournament saw record-breaking viewership, even surpassing the viewership totals of the men’s final four. By featuring these athletes prominently, NBA 2K is not only reflecting this cultural shift and increasing popularity of women’s sport, but also helping to further legitimize and promote women’s basketball to a broader audience. As a result, this inclusion represents a major step forward in recognizing the talent and marketability of women athletes in one of the gaming industry’s most popular franchises.

The importance of this representation in a mainstream gaming title cannot be overstated. For young girls and women who play video games, seeing themselves reflected in popular titles can be incredibly empowering. It sends a message that women athletes are valued, marketable, and worthy of the same recognition as their men counterparts. This visibility can inspire the next generation of players and fans, potentially leading to increased participation and support for women’s sports at all levels.

Heightened Criticism for WNBA 2K

However, while the inclusion of women athletes in NBA 2K since the 2020 release is a significant step forward, it’s important to recognize that challenges persist. Recent research into social media reactions regarding the inclusion of WNBA players in previous NBA 2K titles revealed troubling patterns of stereotyping and bias. Following an analysis of over 10,000 Instagram comments, it was determined that many reflected deeply ingrained beliefs about the athletic superiority of men and the perceived inferiority of women’s sports and athletes.

The study found that some users expressed outrage at the idea of women players having high ratings in the game, often comparing them unfavorably to NBA players. These reactions to the inclusion of women athletes serves to further solidify the ongoing struggle against entrenched gender stereotypes in sports. Even in a virtual environment where physical differences are irrelevant, many fans will cling to outdated notions of the athletic supremacy of men athletes. Moreover, the research uncovered disturbingly hostile reactions to the mere presence of women athletes in the game. Some of the comments suggested that women should be restricted to domestic roles rather than participating in sports, revealing the persistence of regressive gender attitudes even among younger generations of gaming fans.

Double Standards for Women Athletes

These findings further expose the complex reality women athletes face as they gain more prominence in mainstream media and gaming. While their recent consistent inclusion in titles like NBA 2K25 represents progress, it also exposes them to heightened scrutiny and, unfortunately, sometimes outright hostility. The double standards faced by women athletes are not limited to the virtual world. In real-life sports coverage, women athletes often face disproportionate criticism over their appearances, playing styles, or personal lives compared to their men counterparts. The recent March Madness tournaments provided stark examples of this disparity, with women players facing intense scrutiny over everything from their dominating play to how they displayed their passion for the game.

NBA 2K25 WNBA Player Ratings

Women athletes are also breaking new records within the 2K game. A’ja Wilson achieved a 99 overall rating in NBA 2K25 which makes her the first WNBA player to reach this rating and the first player across both the NBA and WNBA to do so since LeBron James in NBA 2K14. The game also features Caitlin Clark with a 91 rating, the highest for a WNBA rookie. Angel Reese follows with a 90 rating, making her the second-highest rated WNBA rookie. Importantly, these ratings for women athletes in NBA2K25 signify a shift in recognizing the talent that exists across women’s basketball.

As we celebrate not only the inclusion of women athletes in NBA2K25 but also the promotional efforts aimed at highlighting them, it’s crucial to recognize both the progress this represents as well as the work that remains to be done. Game developers, sports leagues, and media outlets all have a role to play in challenging stereotypes and promoting fair representation. Equally important is the role of fans and players in calling out bias and supporting women athletes across all platforms.

The prominence of WNBA stars in NBA 2K is a significant step toward more inclusive and representative sports gaming. It reflects the growing popularity and recognition of women’s basketball while also helping to further that growth. However, the persistent stereotypes and biases revealed in fan reactions remind us that representation alone is not enough. As we move forward, continued efforts to educate, challenge biases, and promote equity in both virtual and real-world sports will be essential to creating a truly level playing field for all athletes.