On August 19, 2025, actress Aubrey Plaza made waves at a WNBA game between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Spotted courtside, she wore a bold T-shirt proclaiming “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town. Est. 2030,” celebrating Philadelphia’s upcoming WNBA team. The Philly WNBA shirt, a collaboration between Watch Party PHL and local brand Go Hamm, nearly sold out within hours, thanks to Plaza’s star power and her connection to her Delaware roots. This article dives into the story behind the viral moment, the shirt’s significance, and why it’s capturing the attention of women’s sports fans everywhere.
Why Aubrey Plaza’s Philly WNBA Shirt Went Viral
Aubrey Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, is no stranger to the WNBA. A passionate basketball fan, she’s been spotted at games before, even tearing her ACL during a knockout game at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend. Her appearance at the Liberty-Lynx game wasn’t just about cheering for her favorite team—it was a powerful nod to her hometown pride and the growing excitement for women’s sports in Philadelphia.
The Power of Celebrity Influence
When Plaza was photographed in the Philly WNBA shirt, social media exploded. Fans rushed to buy the shirt, driving it close to selling out in just a few hours. Jen Leary, founder of Watch Party PHL, called it “the coolest thing ever,” noting she was thrilled but surprised by how quickly the shirt gained traction. Plaza’s sister, Natalie, played a key role in the moment, suggesting Aubrey wear the shirt to the game after spotting it on Leary during a coffee meetup in Philadelphia.
A Shirt with a Purpose
The Philly WNBA shirt isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a celebration of Philadelphia’s new WNBA franchise, set to debut in 2030. Designed by Watch Party PHL and Go Hamm, the graphite gray tee features orange text and a basketball replacing the “O” in “Women’s.” Proceeds from sales support Watch Party PHL’s mission to open a women’s sports bar in the city, a space for fans to gather and cheer for their favorite teams. The “Est. 2030” tagline ties directly to the city’s upcoming WNBA team, owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor.
The Story Behind the Philly WNBA Shirt
The shirt’s journey to viral fame started with a chance encounter. Jen Leary, a Philadelphia firefighter and Watch Party PHL founder, met Natalie Plaza for coffee. Natalie loved the shirt Leary was wearing, but there was a catch—it was sold out. In a moment of spontaneity, Leary took off the shirt (revealing a tank top underneath) and handed it over for Aubrey to wear to the game. “I told her she better wash it,” Leary laughed, recalling the 100-degree day.
Go Hamm, the Philadelphia-based women’s sports brand behind the shirt, quickly ramped up production after learning Plaza would wear it. The result? A near sell-out as fans scrambled to snag the tee, which symbolizes both city pride and the growing popularity of women’s sports.
Why the Shirt Resonates
The Philly WNBA shirt taps into a larger cultural moment. Women’s sports are gaining momentum, with the WNBA seeing record viewership and attendance in 2025. Philadelphia’s new team announcement has only fueled this excitement, and Plaza’s endorsement gave the shirt a massive boost. Fans see it as a way to show support for female athletes and the city’s sports culture.
How to Get Your Own Philly WNBA Shirt
If you’re eager to grab the Philly WNBA shirt, here’s what you need to know:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Where to Buy | Available on Go Hamm’s official website (check for restocks due to high demand). |
| Price | Varies, typically around $25–$35 for similar graphic tees. |
| Design | Graphite gray with orange text: “Philly is a Women’s Sports Town. Est. 2030.” |
| Purpose | Supports Watch Party PHL’s women’s sports bar initiative. |
| Availability | Limited stock; check Go Hamm’s site or Watch Party PHL’s social media for updates. |
Note: Watch Party PHL has warned fans about knockoff versions circulating online. Stick to official retailers to ensure authenticity and support the cause.
Tips for Buying
- Act Fast: The shirt’s popularity means it sells out quickly. Sign up for restock alerts on Go Hamm’s website.
- Check Social Media: Follow Watch Party PHL and Go Hamm on Instagram for updates on new batches.
- Support the Mission: Buying the official shirt helps fund a women’s sports bar in Philadelphia, a hub for fans to connect.
Aubrey Plaza’s Connection to Women’s Sports
Plaza’s love for basketball runs deep. A Delaware native with Philadelphia ties, she’s been a vocal supporter of the WNBA. She’s attended games like the 2024 WNBA Finals and even played in a recreational league, the Pistol Shrimps, in the 2010s. Despite two ACL injuries—one from a rec league game and another from the 2024 All-Star Weekend—her enthusiasm for the sport remains unshaken. At the Liberty-Lynx game, she was joined by Broadway star Patti LuPone, her co-star from Agatha All Along, adding to the event’s star power.
A Personal Touch
Plaza’s appearance came during a challenging time. Earlier in 2025, she lost her husband, Jeff Baena, to suicide, and she’s been open about her grief. Her courtside moment, complete with a playful interaction with the Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, showed her resilience and commitment to supporting causes close to her heart, like women’s sports.
Why Philadelphia is Buzzing About Women’s Sports
Philadelphia is no stranger to passionate sports fans, and the city’s upcoming WNBA team is a game-changer. Set to debut in 2030, the team will join the Sixers and Flyers under the ownership of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Comcast Spectacor. The Philly WNBA shirt captures this excitement, serving as a badge of pride for fans eager to welcome the new franchise.
The Bigger Picture
The WNBA’s growth mirrors a broader surge in women’s sports. In 2025, the league reported 2.5 million fans across 226 games, a testament to its rising popularity. Celebrities like Plaza amplify this momentum, drawing new fans and sparking conversations about the importance of supporting female athletes.
How the Philly WNBA Shirt Fits into Today’s News
Aubrey Plaza’s courtside appearance isn’t just a celebrity moment—it’s a cultural milestone. Here’s why it’s making headlines today, August 22, 2025:
- Celebrity Influence: Plaza’s star power turned a local T-shirt into a national sensation, highlighting the impact of celebrity endorsements.
- Women’s Sports Surge: The WNBA’s growing fanbase and Philadelphia’s new team announcement make the shirt a timely symbol of support.
- Community Impact: Sales are funding a women’s sports bar, a first-of-its-kind space for Philly fans.
- Viral Moment: Social media buzz, fueled by Plaza’s appearance, drove massive demand, with fans searching for the shirt online.
Today’s Context
As of August 22, 2025, the Philly WNBA shirt remains a hot topic. Posts on X show fans clamoring for restocks, with some calling it a “must-have” for WNBA enthusiasts. The shirt’s near sell-out reflects the growing excitement for women’s sports, especially in Philadelphia, where fans are already rallying for their future team.
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Conclusion: Why the Philly WNBA Shirt Matters
Aubrey Plaza’s courtside appearance in the Philly WNBA shirt is more than a celebrity moment—it’s a celebration of women’s sports and Philadelphia’s vibrant fan culture. The shirt, nearly sold out after her August 19, 2025, appearance, symbolizes the city’s pride and the WNBA’s growing influence. By supporting Watch Party PHL and Go Hamm, fans are contributing to a women’s sports bar that will bring the community together. Whether you’re a WNBA diehard or a casual fan, grabbing this shirt is a way to join the movement. Check Go Hamm’s website for restocks, and wear your Philly pride loud and proud!
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