In May 2025, a long-overdue yet powerfully symbolic moment in pop culture occurred: Funko released its first-ever wave of Pop! Vinyl figures dedicated to WNBA stars. Known as Wave 1A and followed by a smaller expansion Wave 1B, this collection doesn’t merely represent another line of stylized miniatures; it marks a landmark moment in the evolution of sports merchandising, female athlete recognition, and the growing cultural clout of women’s sports.
This review critically explores both waves of Funko’s WNBA figures, delving into their aesthetic design, fan reception, and, most importantly, their broader cultural significance. As the sports world continues to reckon with gender imbalance in media coverage and commercial representation, Funko’s WNBA launch feels like a pivotal step toward a more equitable and inclusive fan culture.
The Figures: Style Meets Substance
Wave 1A consists of four meticulously crafted figures: Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty). Each figure captures a signature element of the player’s persona: Clark’s intensity, Reese’s expressive confidence, Wilson’s poised dominance, and Stewart’s cool authority. The design team clearly did their homework, replicating the athletes’ uniforms in fine detail and posing each figure in an action-ready stance that evokes their on-court energy.
Wave 1B adds a retro touch with two new entries: legendary Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson and the Storm’s beloved mascot, Doppler. Jackson’s inclusion bridges the past and present of the WNBA, connecting today’s rising stars to the pioneers who paved the way. Doppler adds whimsy and color, appealing not just to fans of the team but also to collectors who appreciate Funko’s playful approach to mascots.
Fan Reception: Mostly Cheers, Some Concerns
The reaction from both the WNBA community and Funko enthusiasts has been overwhelmingly positive. Collectors flooded forums and social media with unboxing videos, photo displays, and glowing praise. Retailers like Hot Topic, BoxLunch, Entertainment Earth, and Target quickly sold out of pre-orders, with resale prices already climbing for some figures, particularly Caitlin Clark.
Yet, the excitement hasn’t been without criticism. One of the most common concerns is the exclusion of JuJu Watkins, another young star making headlines. Critics argue that limiting Wave 1 to only a few names risks creating a narrative centered around a narrow group of marketable athletes, rather than embracing the league’s full depth and diversity.
Another emerging concern is accessibility. As with many Funko launches, high demand and limited stock can lead to inflated secondary market prices. While scarcity adds collector allure, it also risks alienating young fans and those less willing or able to pay premium prices.
A Cultural Milestone: From Sideline to Spotlight
Historically, the collectible toy market has mirrored societal biases, often privileging male athletes, superheroes, and male-dominated pop culture icons. The WNBA’s entrance into Funko’s pantheon challenges this status quo. It’s not just that these women have their own figures—it’s that they are being celebrated with the same fanfare and production quality afforded to NBA stars, Marvel heroes, and blockbuster movie characters.
This move comes at a time when the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented visibility. TV ratings are breaking records, attendance is climbing, and athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are transcending the sports page to become cultural icons. Funko’s decision to immortalize these figures in vinyl is a reflection of their relevance—and a projection of their staying power.
Moreover, the figures function as gateways for younger fans, especially girls, to see themselves represented in the cultural landscape. Having a Caitlin Clark Pop! on your shelf isn’t just about fandom; it’s about identity, aspiration, and inclusion.
Collectibility & Market Impact
Funko’s Pop! line thrives on nostalgia, collectibility, and cross-fandom synergy. By integrating WNBA figures into this ecosystem, Funko taps into a growing niche of sports collectors who have long awaited more diverse offerings. Importantly, this isn’t the first time female athletes have appeared in collectible form—Sue Bird’s Barbie or Serena Williams trading cards come to mind—but this is the first instance of such a mainstream, stylized, and mass-produced product line centered on WNBA athletes.
What sets these apart is not just availability but context. They aren’t promotional tie-ins or charity one-offs. They are fully commercialized products, launched alongside male counterparts, and distributed through the same major retail networks. That parity is what elevates this line beyond novelty to norm-setting.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wave 2 and Beyond
Given the success of Waves 1A and 1B, it’s not a stretch to predict that Wave 2 is already in planning. Fans are calling for more representation: Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Sabrina Ionescu, and of course, JuJu Watkins. The roadmap is rich, and if Funko is committed to authentic representation, the next waves could be even more diverse and impactful.
Additionally, there’s room for innovation: limited edition All-Star versions, dual-figure box sets, team-themed bundles, or figures in collegiate uniforms could all broaden appeal and deepen fan engagement.
Final Verdict: A Slam Dunk for Cultural Relevance
Funko’s WNBA Pop! figures are more than just cute collectibles. They are artifacts of a changing culture—one that is beginning to appreciate, market, and monetize women’s sports on equal footing. While the line is not without its omissions and challenges, it lays a powerful foundation for broader representation and fandom.
For longtime collectors, it’s a refreshing and long-awaited addition. For WNBA fans, it’s validation. For pop culture critics, it’s evidence that the tides are turning. And for young girls dreaming of professional courts and packed arenas, it’s proof that their heroes are finally being seen—not just on screens, but on shelves.
