Elena Delle Donne, one of the most decorated athletes in the WNBA, has spent nearly a decade redefining what it means to be a leader—on and off the court. From championship victories to MVP honors, she’s earned her place among the league’s greatest. But it’s her relationship with her wife Amanda Clifton that has become one of her most meaningful victories.
As of 2025, Delle Donne, now 35 years old, continues to be a beacon for inclusivity, courage, and compassion. Together with Amanda, her partner of over a decade, she is living boldly and authentically—helping shape a new, more accepting era in professional sports.
Meeting Amanda Clifton: A Fateful Connection
Elena and Amanda’s journey began in 2013, just as Delle Donne was making her leap from collegiate stardom at the University of Delaware to professional play in the WNBA. She had been selected second overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, just behind Brittney Griner. Around that same time, she was introduced to Amanda Clifton through a mutual friend.
Their relationship began quietly. The pair shared glimpses of their life together through social media, but avoided the spotlight. That changed in August 2016, when Elena casually confirmed her engagement to Amanda in a Vogue profile—marking the first time she publicly acknowledged their same-sex relationship. Her choice to come out through her own terms reflected her steady, grounded nature.
A Wedding That Marked More Than Love
On November 3, 2017, Elena and Amanda married in an intimate and joyful ceremony. Since then, they have become one of the most visible LGBTQ+ couples in professional sports. For Elena, their love story is about more than marriage—it’s about making a difference.
“I’m just honored to be in a position where I can share my love with Amanda with the world,” Elena said in a PEOPLE interview. “And to know that just by doing that and living our lives, we’re able to help others.”
That visibility has had a ripple effect. Delle Donne frequently receives letters from parents and young fans expressing gratitude—many saying her and Amanda’s story gave them the strength to come out or support a loved one who did. These moments, she says, “give me the full-body chills.”
Family, Support, and Strength
The couple lives in Washington, D.C., where Elena plays for the Washington Mystics. Amanda, who has a strong background in athletics herself, has often supported Elena through her basketball career and personal health challenges—including her long battle with Lyme disease. Their bond is rooted in mutual respect, care, and advocacy.
As of 2025, Elena Delle Donne’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, accumulated through WNBA contracts, brand deals with companies like Nike, and speaking engagements. While her earnings may not match male counterparts in professional sports, her influence is massive—and growing.
An Advocate for Progress and Equality
Delle Donne isn’t just a player—she’s a leader in the movement for equity and inclusion in women’s sports. Named one of the WNBA’s “W25”—the league’s list of its 25 greatest and most influential players—Elena is using her platform to call for tangible improvements in the league.
She dreams of a WNBA where players won’t need to travel overseas for income, where staff and athletes are valued equally, and where young girls can aspire to play professionally without sacrificing financial stability.
“It’s an incredible experience to go overseas and play, but we shouldn’t have to do it financially,” she said. “We need a league that’s sustainable, so young girls can get paid what they deserve.”
She believes that progress is well underway. “These past few years, it’s been a massive jump,” she noted. “The most important thing is that the product is there. We’ve had that for a long time—now it’s just getting people and brands to be on board and invest in it.”
The Power of Representation
Elena and Amanda’s relationship is more than personal—it’s a public stand for authenticity and progress. Elena often credits the LGBTQ+ pioneers who paved the way, acknowledging how difficult it was to be out in earlier generations. While she recognizes challenges still exist, she’s hopeful for the future.
“I have to give so much credit to the people who were out before me, when it was so hard to do it,” she said. “Everyone’s story is different. But if people aren’t okay with who you are, those aren’t people whose thoughts you should worry about.”
In a world where many athletes feel pressure to conform, Delle Donne continues to show that true power lies in honesty. Through her love, her leadership, and her voice, she has become a role model far beyond basketball.