Building a personal brand is crucial for WNBA star Cameron Brink, who believes that her success on the court translates to success off the court.

Building a personal brand is crucial for WNBA star Cameron Brink, who believes that her success on the court translates to success off the court.
Building a personal brand is crucial for WNBA star Cameron Brink, who believes that her success on the court translates to success off the court.

Despite being injured and having her rookie season cut short, Cameron Brink has rapidly emerged as one of the WNBA's top stars.

The second-overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, who is behind only Caitlin Clark, has gained attention not only for her skills on the court but also for her fashion sense off the court. During a panel discussion at CNBC x Boardroom's Game Plan Summit, the 22-year-old shared how embracing her love of fashion has helped her establish her personal brand.

"Brink has found comfort in fashion and expressing her femininity, as she enjoys entering games with styled hair and makeup and wearing clothing that makes her feel confident."

Since graduating from college, Brink, who signed an endorsement deal with New Balance, has become one of the most-followed female basketball players with 1.3 million Instagram followers.

"After the draft, I gained more recognition walking around the streets of LA than on the Stanford campus where I went to college," she stated.

Brink, who made $76,535 in her first year and will earn $78,066 with the Sparks next season, admitted that the WNBA isn't her primary source of income. However, she stated that her WNBA fame allows her to be marketable.

"Although my W contract may not be as lucrative as my court earnings, that's how I present myself in this space and it's what I enjoy doing," she stated.

Brink is concentrating on "maintaining the primary focus" while recovering from her torn ACL.

"My success on-court has led to my success off-court," she stated. "I did a shoot with LegalZoom just seven days after my injury. On set, I realized that this injury would not hinder me. I can still be a successful businesswoman, and brands will continue to work with me and accommodate my needs."

Sign up for CNBC's online course to master your money this fall. Our practical strategies will help you hack your budget, reduce your debt, and grow your wealth. Start today to feel more confident and successful. Use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% introductory discount, extended through September 30, 2024, for the back-to-school season.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.

by Nicolas Vega

Make It

Mark Cuban: "I'll continue working until I physically can't anymore—retirement isn't an option for me."

Mark Cuban: "I'll continue working until I physically can't anymore—retirement isn't an option for me."

Make It
During grad school, four friends invested $120,000 to launch a startup that now generates $670 million annually.

During grad school, four friends invested $120,000 to launch a startup that now generates $670 million annually.

Make It
The self-made millionaire's advice to a couple struggling with $65,000 in credit card debt is that it's not just about paying off the debt, but also about changing their spending habits.

The self-made millionaire's advice to a couple struggling with $65,000 in credit card debt is that it's not just about paying off the debt, but also about changing their spending habits.

Make It
Five of the top 10 retirement towns in America are located in Florida.

Five of the top 10 retirement towns in America are located in Florida.

Make It
A Harvard-trained coach reveals the top phrase that parents with high emotional intelligence use to manage stress.

A Harvard-trained coach reveals the top phrase that parents with high emotional intelligence use to manage stress.

Make It
A dating coach advises against asking personal questions on a first date.

A dating coach advises against asking personal questions on a first date.

Make It
The Global Entry fee is increasing for the first time, so apply before October 1st to secure the lower rate.

The Global Entry fee is increasing for the first time, so apply before October 1st to secure the lower rate.

Make It
In the United States, Columbus, Ohio has the quickest car commute, according to a new study—here's the complete top 10 list.

In the United States, Columbus, Ohio has the quickest car commute, according to a new study—here's the complete top 10 list.

Make It
The record-breaking 50-50 home run ball of Shohei Ohtani is now available for purchase at $4.5 million.

The record-breaking 50-50 home run ball of Shohei Ohtani is now available for purchase at $4.5 million.

Make It
Etsy side hustle generates $220,000 annually with minimal startup costs, proving that making a living is possible.

Etsy side hustle generates $220,000 annually with minimal startup costs, proving that making a living is possible.

Make It
After mortgage costs increased, a 32-year-old abandoned the idea of purchasing a home in LA; even a small condo now costs nearly $1 million.

After mortgage costs increased, a 32-year-old abandoned the idea of purchasing a home in LA; even a small condo now costs nearly $1 million.

Make It
A survey reveals that 73% of Amazon employees are considering leaving their jobs after being required to spend five days in the office.

A survey reveals that 73% of Amazon employees are considering leaving their jobs after being required to spend five days in the office.

Make It
A dietician offers more tips on how to maximize the nutritional benefits of eating iron-rich foods along with vitamin C-rich foods.

A dietician offers more tips on how to maximize the nutritional benefits of eating iron-rich foods along with vitamin C-rich foods.

Make It
Many individuals in this age group are concerned about falling short on their retirement savings—strategies for getting back on track.

Many individuals in this age group are concerned about falling short on their retirement savings—strategies for getting back on track.

Make It
A life coach recommends doing one exercise today to improve happiness and well-being.

A life coach recommends doing one exercise today to improve happiness and well-being.

Make It
The top 10 countries for quality of life include Denmark, Canada, and New Zealand.

The top 10 countries for quality of life include Denmark, Canada, and New Zealand.

Make It
Time management researcher advises against overworking and suggests embracing a more relaxed approach to productivity.

Time management researcher advises against overworking and suggests embracing a more relaxed approach to productivity.

Make It
Hoda Kotb embarked on a 10-day road trip to secure her first TV job, ultimately facing rejection from every opportunity she pursued.

Hoda Kotb embarked on a 10-day road trip to secure her first TV job, ultimately facing rejection from every opportunity she pursued.

Make It
If you invested $1,000 in Costco 10 years ago, here's how much money you'd have now.

If you invested $1,000 in Costco 10 years ago, here's how much money you'd have now.

Make It
'It still doesn't feel real': How this 24-year-old bought a $750,000 house with her brother

'It still doesn't feel real': How this 24-year-old bought a $750,000 house with her brother

Make It

You might also like