DiJonai Carrington trends for her striking beauty at Aces-Wings game [VIDEO]
Courtside Spotlight: DiJonai Carrington Turns Heads During Aces-Wings Broadcast
A brief clip from last night’s (July 16) WNBA matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings has captured national attention—not for the game itself, but for a courtside appearance by Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington. With the Wings trailing 62-48 late in the third quarter, cameras caught Carrington in the stands dressed in a leather jacket, bold heart-shaped necklace, and eye-catching blonde and pink hair. Though sidelined by a rib injury, Carrington’s confident look and animated reactions ignited a flood of commentary online.
The seven-second slow-motion clip was posted to X by @ShowCaseShabazz. It has racked up nearly 3 million views within 24 hours. Captioned simply “whew,” the post is part admiration, part cultural flashpoint. Fans flooded the replies with takes on everything from Carrington’s personal style and glamor to critiques touching on race, gender norms, and authenticity.
Who Is DiJonai Carrington?
Carrington, 27, is a third-year WNBA player known for her grit on the court and her bold, expressive style off of it. She’s a former Baylor standout. Also, she’s one of the league’s more outspoken voices on topics including identity, fashion, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Her appearance at the July 16 game was notable. Not only because she wasn’t suited up, but also because of the ongoing conversation surrounding her evolving public image. Aside from that, she’s recovering from a rib injury. Fans had last seen her with flame-red hair. Now, she’s gone platinum blonde with soft pink ends. Therefore, drawing praise and criticism in equal measure.
The Backstory: Injury, Trade Drama, and Personal Stakes
Carrington has been out of the Wings’ rotation since June 20, when she suffered a rib injury. Despite participating fully in practice the day before the Aces game, head coach Chris Koclanes confirmed she was still unavailable. Adding emotional weight to her presence in the arena is the fact that her girlfriend, NaLyssa Smith, now plays for the opposing Aces after being unexpectedly traded from Dallas to Las Vegas just weeks earlier.
The two had signed with the Wings together during free agency in May, rekindling their college chemistry. Smith’s trade in late June, reportedly for a 2027 first-round pick, was met with visible frustration from both athletes. While they remain a couple, the mid-season shakeup has added a layer of long-distance complexity to their relationship—and likely fueled Carrington’s attendance that night.
Fan Reaction: Praise, Pushback, and Cultural Commentary
The video post sparked a wave of commentary that quickly moved beyond simple thirst or appreciation:
Admiration: Many fans gushed over Carrington’s appearance. “She’s the baddest in the league,” one user wrote. Others called her a “face card that never declines,” highlighting her presence as magnetic even off the court.
Hair Debate: Some critiques emerged targeting her hair, which some said mimicked white beauty standards. “Why does she have a white woman’s hair on her head?” one comment read. Others defended her choice, pointing out the double standards Black women face regarding beauty and self-expression.
Sexuality Comments: Carrington’s openly gay identity also became a target for online backlash. While many praised her for confidently embracing her relationship and style, others posted homophobic remarks that were quickly ratioed and met with defense from supporters.
Mixed Takes: Some comments offered humorous thirst traps, others asked if she was back with Smith. A few posts lamented that Carrington wasn’t on the court, suggesting that the Wings could’ve used her energy during the eventual 90-86 loss.
Cultural Significance: Beyond the Game
Carrington’s moment may have lasted just a few seconds on screen. However, the ensuing conversation mirrors broader issues at play in women’s sports: image, visibility, racialized beauty standards, and the evolving relationship between athletes and their fandom.
Her appearance was more than a fleeting fashion statement. Additionally, it sparked a social media case study in how women, especially Black LGBTQ+ athletes, are seen, judged, and celebrated in public.
Carrington, who has long partnered with beauty and lifestyle brands, is no stranger to making statements through her look. But this particular moment has taken on a life of its own, reshaping not just how fans talk about her—but how the league itself is perceived.
Style, Identity, and the WNBA’s Image Evolution
Carrington’s courtside moment fits into a growing trend of WNBA players asserting their individuality through fashion and public appearance. They do this both as a form of personal expression and a challenge to the league’s historical presentation of femininity. Male athletes have long enjoyed the freedom to build brands around their personal style. Meanwhile, WNBA players like Carrington are reshaping what visibility and marketability look like for women’s sports.
Her choice to go blonde with pink highlights, wear a fitted leather jacket, and sit courtside with a commanding presence pushes against outdated norms of how female athletes are “supposed” to look. It’s not about glam for glam’s sake—it’s about autonomy. Her unapologetic vibe reminds many of the NBA’s tunnel walk moments, where the fashion is part of the performance.
That performance carries weight. For the WNBA—still fighting for larger market share, media coverage, and equitable pay—moments like this one aren’t distractions from the sport. They’re integral to the cultural expansion of the league. As Carrington recovers from injury and fans await her return, she remains part of the game’s momentum. Not just with points—but with presence.
What’s Next for Carrington?
Carrington is expected to return to the lineup after the All-Star break, assuming no setbacks. The Wings sit at a disappointing 6-17. So, they will likely welcome her return as they attempt to salvage the second half of the season.
The Dallas Wings are currently in a precarious position. While they need all of the help they can get, if things don’t turn around for them soon, tanking becomes a viable option. If that happens, Carrington’s return might not be as warranted.
Whether or not she’s back in uniform by then, her courtside cameo has already made her one of the most talked-about names in the WNBA this week. Not just for her game—but for the statement she made without saying a word.