Bryant family witnesses Sky-Liberty contest from the court-side seats
Lights, Camera, Basketball Action!
The WNBA's Commissioner's Cup is taking the spotlight this season, along with some of the league's shiniest superstars. A high-profile matchup between the unbeaten New York Liberty and the struggling Chicago Sky drew plenty of eyes—including those of Vanessa Bryant and her kids.
They headed to Brooklyn's Barclays Center to catch the action, and the game, though not competitive, still showcased some stellar performances. Sabrina Ionescu led the charge with 23 points, while Breanna Stewart added 18, and homegrown talent Kennedy Burke dropped 15 off the bench.
Angel Reese made an impact despite the loss, tallying 17 points and 11 boards. Unfortunately, Ariel Atkins was the only Sky player to score in double-figures. As the game wound down, the stars took a moment to mingle with the Bryants.
Supporting the 'W' with Bryant Flair
Vanessa Bryant, a big supporter of the league, got a front-row seat to a potential WNBA contender. She's been known for her advocacy in sports and has even named the WNBA Advocacy Award after her late husband, Kobe, and daughter, Gianna (Gigi), who both tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. As Gigi had hoped to chase a basketball career, the W holds dear significance for the Bryant family.
Coco Gauff, the young French Open champion, joined the Bryants in the audience, adding to the female power felt throughout the stadium.
The Future is Bright for Advocacy in Women's Sports
The WNBA introduced the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, which aims to honor individuals making substantial contributions to women's basketball and the growth of women and girls involvement in sports. The award was introduced in May 2025 and is set to become an annual recognition within the league, inspiring ongoing commitment to the development of women's basketball and related programs. Together, the WNBA and advocates like the Bryant family are paving the way for a brighter future for women's sports.
- The game, amidst the presence of Vanessa Bryant and her kids, provided a showcase for the brilliance of sports, particularly basketball, as demonstrated by Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke, and Angel Reese in the WNBA.
- As a supporter of women's basketball and a nod to her late husband and daughter, Vanessa Bryant watched the action unfold, embodying the spirit of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, which aims to foster growth and development in women's sports.
