Latest news with #WAG
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I started asking NBA WAGs questions. Now, millions are watching.
Maddy Sells on "WAG Talk" — and getting the scoop on Paige Bueckers's girlfriend. 'How well do you know your NBA husband?' It's a question you may have heard as you scroll through social media, and it's one Maddy Sells is directing at the wives (and girlfriends, aka WAGs) of NBA players as they hang out courtside or loiter near the locker room. Sells — the woman behind the video series WAG Talk — will quiz each WAG about their partner's playing history before revealing who they're coupled up with. In the case of WNBA No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers, who got the WAG Talk treatment during WNBA All-Star Weekend last week, the answer is her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd. Bueckers's interview with Sells hard launched the two players' relationship for the first time, nearly breaking the internet in the process. For Sells, who grew up playing basketball and idolizing teams like the Miami Heat, putting WAGs — a group of women so often subjected to stereotypes — in the spotlight is a response to something she noticed early on through her own fandom: It was men who dominated the conversation, while their partners sat on the sidelines. With WAG Talk, the sports marketing major is handing WAGs the mic and racking up millions of clicks in the process. And with her recent expansion to include not just the NBA but the WNBA and their other halves (like Bueckers and Fudd) too, she's also giving queer relationships their due. In this interview with Yahoo's Kerry Justich, Sells shares in her own words how she's created a brand out of platforming wives and girlfriends — and what it means for the future of sports coverage. I started WAG Talk in February at the Miami Heat Gala. I would see these couples walking the red carpet, and the media would interview all the players while the wives and girlfriends would stand to the side and listen. There were a lot of really cool women who were not getting interviewed at all, which I felt was such a missed opportunity. Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s girlfriend is Dominique Ruotolo, a Division I track runner, and Kevin Love's wife [Kate Love] is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. There are just so many cool stories to be told about these women, and they didn't really have the platform. So I thought that would be the perfect place to launch the start of WAG Talk. I got about five interviews there, the biggest one being Tyler Herro's girlfriend [Katya Elise Henry]. That video got 31 million views on TikTok. So I was like, OK, people really do have an appetite for this content. A different point of entry for sports fans When I started working with [the media company] Enjoy Basketball, I came in knowing that it was a super, super positive brand. Everything that they do is just to uplift athletes and to be very positive about growing the game. So I wanted to make this series really, really positive and something that I know the women will have fun playing along with. I feel like my audience has been changing with every single video that I post. It's finally become a 50-50 split of men and women following WAG Talk, which is really nice. I think people watch it for different reasons. There's an audience of women who are really interested in fashion and just everything with the WAG-related lifestyle. There are also plenty of women who love sports and want to follow along to see if they can get the questions right about the athlete. The same goes for the male audience. A lot of guys tell me that WAG Talk is their guilty pleasure because they like to see if they can figure out who the player is before the reveal. That's how I wanted to get viewers engaged in this series. There's been a ton of negativity on the content in the past from people who think really negatively about wives and girlfriends of players. But there was kind of a big switch [during WNBA All-Star Weekend], with so much positivity from WNBA fans. I gained a whole new audience. Paige Bueckers's hard launch She was definitely at the very top of my list. I went into the weekend preparing a bunch of different WAG Talk questions for tons of different people, and I was able to get Paige and Natasha [Cloud, of the New York Liberty] on the orange carpet. I honestly wasn't expecting them to say yes to the interview. I never want to make anyone uncomfortable talking about a relationship that they're not ready to talk about. But when I noticed that Paige was really comfortable with it, I was like, 'OK, let's do this.' She was so happy when I said, 'How well do you know your D1 girlfriend?' Her smile just made my day. Other content creators in sports, like Aliyah Funschelle, were around me too. She had interviewed Paige right before I did, so after my interview happened, she looked at me and said, 'Maddy, I think that was the hard launch. You need to go.' I was like, 'Oh, I gotta sprint to my hotel to edit this because this is going to go absolutely crazy.' The response to it has been amazing. The Paige video has 11 million views, and the one with Natasha Cloud [speaking about her girlfriend and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison] has 7 million. So there clearly is a big appetite for knowing about these relationships and women's sports in general. These videos have a lot more views than a lot of NBA videos. The importance of WNBA coverage Pride Month is when I first did a WNBA WAG Talk, and it was with [New York Liberty star] Breanna Stewart's wife. And that was very intentional. The WNBA content has really hit the queer community, which is super cool. They just like seeing the LGBTQ community being promoted in sports, finally. I still do want to include the HABs [husbands and boyfriends of women athletes]. As such a big Heat fan, [Miami player] Bam Adebayo and [Las Vegas Aces center] A'ja Wilson are my favorite couple ever, and I've been wanting to do a video with them. But seeing how excited and happy the women are while talking about their [female] partners has shown the world so much positivity when it comes to the queer community. Over the weekend, we went from 48,000 [followers] on TikTok to 73,000. Seeing how powerful the female audience is and just how much they love this switch of WAG Talk going into the WNBA has been really, really cool to see. It just proved how big an appetite there is for women's sports. When you make the content, the audience will come. There are plenty of WNBA fans out there. There needs to be more content being created around it, because these women deserve huge platforms. They deserve to be able to tell their stories. This has been edited for length and clarity. Solve the daily Crossword
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Nathan Buckley's ex-girfriend Brodie Ryan makes jaw-dropping claim that 'being a WAG is harder than being a CEO' just three months after their high-profile break up
Nathan Buckley's former partner, Brodie Ryan, has spoken out about life behind the label of a WAG, claiming it can be "harder than being a CEO". The 36-year-old business operations manager dated the 52-year-old AFL legend for three years before they publicly confirmed their split in May. Speaking on the Smile: The Makeover Scoop podcast, Ryan defended the role of a partner in elite sport, arguing that what happens behind the scenes is far more demanding than most people realise. "No one sees each other as a WAG," she said. "You are a wife or a girlfriend, and you are supporting your partner. And what they do is tough for a job." Raised in regional Victoria around Mildura and now based in Melbourne, the spiritual home of AFL, Ryan said professional athletes "need that support at home" and that criticism of WAGs often misses the mark. "I guess a lot of the trolls out there will say they're just a WAG- they're not just a WAG," she said. "They work really hard at home, and they look after a home, which is hard. "Sometimes I would say, seeing my mum do it, seeing my friends do it, being a stay-at-home mum and keeping a home and supporting an AFL footballer would be harder than being a CEO of a company. That is a job within itself." Ryan has held various roles throughout her career, including working as a dental nurse, a professional singer, and a seasonal firefighter who responded to the devastating Black Saturday fires. She currently works as an operations manager at a security company. However, she described how her world was turned upside down during her relationship with Buckley. "My life completely changed. I lost all my autonomy," she said. "Everyone knew everything about my life. I think it's really important to understand that there's a woman or a person behind that label of a WAG." Nearly three months on from the split, Ryan said she is beginning to reconnect with herself and prioritise her own wellbeing. "I'm having so much fun getting up and doing my walks in the morning, going to the gym, eating well. It's not a lot of lasagnes anymore," she said. "I think I lost myself a little bit in what someone else needed in me or what I thought they needed in me because of what they were going through at the time." Ryan first confirmed the breakup in May with a heartfelt message to her Instagram followers, addressing fans of the "Brodes and Bucks" relationship. "Thank you for your kind messages and support over the past couple of months of heartache. I am truly grateful for your kindness and consideration," she wrote. "After much reflection and consideration, Nath and I have decided to part ways." Speaking to The Herald Sun in June, Ryan admitted that while "break-ups are always horrible", she was beginning to find her feet again. "I wanted that responsibility and revelled in that of being a housewife and a little family's support, but unfortunately it didn't end the way I'd hoped," she said. "Time heals all wounds. The heartbreak is real, but we'll both be OK." Buckley separated from his wife Tania, with whom he shares two sons, in 2020 after 18 years of marriage. He later dated cosmetic nurse Alex Pike for a year before that relationship ended in January 2022.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Buckley's ex reckons being a WAG is ‘harder than being a CEO'
Brodie Ryan, the ex-girlfriend of AFL star Nathan Buckley, is copping backlash after claiming that being a WAG is 'harder than being a CEO'. The 36-year-old, who works as a business operations manager in Melbourne, dated the Collingwood legend for three years before the pair confirmed their split in May. Now, nearly three months after the break-up, Ryan has been reflecting on her former life as the 52-year-old's other half, claiming that being a WAG is more difficult than many realise. 'What they do is tough for a job, so you need that support at home. And I guess a lot of the trolls out there will say they're just a WAG — they're not just a WAG,' she told the Herald Sun. 'They work really hard at home, and they look after a home, which is hard. 'Sometimes I would say, seeing my mum do it, seeing my friends do it, being a stay at home mum and keeping a home and supporting an AFL footballer would be harder than being a CEO of a company.' But her candid comments appear to have fallen flat among Aussies, with many taking to social media to brutally roast Ryan, claiming the statement was 'tone deaf'. 'Such a hard life …' one person commented. 'Harder than a CEO? You have no idea how people without money survive,' remarked another. Someone else suggested she was 'delusional', and another asked: 'This is a joke right?' 'These poor WAGs have no idea,' chipped in one more. Despite assumptions online, Ryan's LinkedIn profile shows she was employed as a business manager for a health centre during her three-year romance with Buckley. But that didn't stop the criticism coming in thick and fast. 'Spare me,' lamented one frustrated Aussie. As another argued WAGs have 'no concept of reality'. 'Entitlement in one sentence,' mused someone else. Ryan announced her separation from Buckley with a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories addressed to 'the followers of the 'Brodes and Bucks' journey'. 'After much reflection and consideration, Nath and I have decided to part ways,' she said. 'This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for the time we shared, the memories we created, and the support we received from each other.' Buckley, 52, did not share the same message to his social media platforms. The pair met in 2022 and had a 16-year age gap. They were regularly spotted out together in Melbourne's social scene. Buckley separated from his wife Tania Buckley, with whom he shares two children, in 2020. He later referred to his marriage breakdown as 'the most traumatic thing that's happened to me' in a candid interview. 'Whilst it was a bloody tough period, I learnt a lot about being more open, being more vulnerable and that I actually couldn't hold it all in,' he told the Herald Sun at the time. 'At the same point, my footy family, and then close friends, just rose to the surface. I'd never really understood the absolute value of friendship until I had nowhere else to turn, and I needed them.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'They live everywhere together': Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift reportedly share homes across the country as their love deepens
Despite their demanding careers, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce prioritized staying close (Getty Images) In late 2024, as Taylor Swift's Eras Tour wound down and NFL season ramped up, insiders revealed a surprising detail about her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce—despite both leading fast-paced, nomadic lives, the couple made it a point to stay physically close whenever possible. Nashville became the unofficial home for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce during NFL season A Page Six source at the time described their unusual setup: 'Taylor and Travis live fairly nomadic lives, and Taylor has home bases everywhere, but they live everywhere together.' While that may sound like a poetic way to describe celebrity romance, it actually offered rare insight into how the power couple navigated fame, distance, and constant travel. Though Swift owns multiple properties across the country—from New York penthouses to Beverly Hills estates—sources in 2024 suggested that Nashville quietly emerged as their central hub. 'It also looks like Taylor is going to make Nashville more of a home base than LA or NY since it's closer to Kansas City, and her mom, Andrea, loves [Nashville] too,' the insider shared. Given Swift's early ties to Music City and her mother's preference, it made sense both strategically and personally. Their long-distance workaround reportedly included bouncing between Kelce's Kansas City mansion, hotels, and Taylor's various homes—especially as her tour took her across continents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo Swift's private jet, often criticized online, became their bridge between arenas and stadiums, stage lights and sidelines. Taylor Swift embraced her role as a WAG with team spirit—and teamwork By the end of 2024, observers noted how seamlessly Swift adapted to the high-profile world of NFL partnerships. One insider put it succinctly: 'I think she's adapted so well to WAG life because she truly understands what it's like to be part of a team—especially coming off Eras where she formed such a close connection with her band, dancers, singers and crew.' Their shared understanding of what it takes to support a team—on stage or on the field—seemed to fuel the relationship's success. Whether at Arrowhead or in the VIP tent at a stadium concert, Kelce and Swift weren't just showing up for each other—they were living life together, literally everywhere. Also Read: Travis Kelce mocked over Taylor Swift's alleged control—his laughing response only adds fuel to the fire FAQs Q: Do Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce live together full-time? They reportedly live together wherever possible, splitting time across cities due to their busy schedules. Q: Where is Taylor Swift's current home base? According to sources, Nashville has become her primary home base, especially during the NFL season. Q: How does Taylor Swift manage her relationship with Travis Kelce while touring? Taylor Swift reportedly adapts her travel to stay close to Travis Kelce, using her various homes and private jet to cohabitate on the go. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nathan Buckley's ex Brodie Ryan raises eyebrows with comments about the struggles of being a WAG following couple's split: 'Harder than a CEO'
Nathan Buckley's ex-girlfriend Brodie Ryan has raised eyebrows after suggesting that being a WAG is harder than being a CEO. The healthcare professional, who split from the AFL star earlier this year after dating for three years, sat down with the Smile: The Makeover Scoop podcast to discuss the difficulties of being on the footy sidelines. 'Sometimes I would say, seeing my mum do it, seeing my friends do it, being a stay-at-home mum and keeping a home and supporting an AFL footballer would be harder than being a CEO of a company.' She went on to praise the women behind sports stars who are so easily 'overshadowed' by what their partners do. 'I really take my hat off to women out there that do have the hard slog of being at home, keeping a nice house, looking after their husbands and keeping their day as smooth as you can, while keeping the mayhem of home at bay and looking after yourself and your mental health, your wellbeing and keeping yourself in good nick as well,' she said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Seeing these women do it and then get on a red carpet and smile, like it's been an easy year for them... I really take my hat off to them; they each do their own things in their respective fields.' Brodie and Collingwood great Nathan split earlier this year. In May, the brunette revealed she'd be moving out of the Melbourne home she purchased with Nathan following their breakup. She said goodbye to the bayside suburb of Elwood altogether in an emotional Instagram post that showed her enjoying a glass of wine at the local tavern. 'End of an era. Sad to say goodbye to my favourite little community of Elwood,' she captioned the post. Brodie and Nathan purchased the property together in the highly sought-after suburb and moved into the home in June last year. Her post came just hours after Brodie announced the pair had decided to part ways. 'To the followers of the "Brodes and Bucks" journey,' she began. 'After much reflection and consideration, Nath and I have decided to part ways,' she continued. 'Thank you for your kind messages and support over the past couple of months of heartache. I am truly grateful for your kindness and consideration. 'This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for the time we shared, the memories we created, and the support we received from each other and all of you. 'While we will no longer be a couple, I will always respect Nathan and the friendship that developed between us 3-4 years ago and have a lot of love for him and his boys, and our beautiful dog Tank.' Brodie concluded: 'We appreciate your understanding and kindness over the past couple of months and continuing through this transition period. 'We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this new chapter in our lives. Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of our journey. With respect and gratitude, Brodie.'
