Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP and one of the league’s most iconic players, is not only known for her basketball brilliance but also for living her truth unapologetically. As of 2025, at age 35, Delle Donne continues to shine on and off the court—this time alongside her wife, Amanda Clifton, in a life centered around love, authenticity, and advocacy.
Love Story: From Teammates to Life Partners
Delle Donne and Clifton first met in 2013 through a mutual friend, right around the same time Delle Donne was drafted second overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, just behind Brittney Griner. What started as a friendship quietly blossomed into a deeply rooted relationship. For a while, the couple kept their romance out of the public eye, but subtle appearances on social media eventually hinted at their bond.
In August 2016, Delle Donne publicly came out in a Vogue feature, where she casually mentioned her engagement to Amanda Clifton. While the news was understated, it marked a significant step in visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. A little over a year later, in November 2017, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family.
A Marriage Built on Partnership and Purpose
Amanda Clifton, a former basketball player herself, has long shared Elena’s passion for the sport, leadership, and empowerment. The couple has since worked together not only in life but also in charitable and media ventures, often using their platform to support LGBTQ+ visibility, mental health awareness, and gender equity in sports.
Delle Donne frequently credits Amanda as her rock. “I’m just honored to be in a position where I can share, first of all, my love with Amanda with the world,” she told PEOPLE. “Just by living our lives, we’re able to help others.”
From their perspective, visibility matters not for celebrity’s sake, but to inspire courage and openness in others—particularly young people discovering their identities and parents learning how to support their children.
Inspiring a Movement
As one of the WNBA’s most decorated players—named among the top 25 greatest and most influential athletes in league history—Delle Donne has not only been a champion on the hardwood but also a trailblazer for representation.
She often speaks about how meaningful it is when parents or young fans reach out and say her story helped them navigate their own. “When a parent tells me that learning about Amanda and me helped them understand their child better… those are the moments that give me chills,” she said.
Elena encourages people to live boldly and without fear. “If people aren’t okay with it, those aren’t the people whose opinions should matter,” she told fans, advocating for emotional boundaries and personal peace.
Pushing for Equity in the WNBA
Delle Donne has long been a powerful voice in the push for equality in women’s sports. As a vocal advocate for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions for players and league staff, she envisions a future where WNBA players don’t have to go overseas just to make a sustainable living.
“It’s an incredible experience to go overseas, but we shouldn’t have to do it out of financial necessity,” she says. She dreams of a WNBA where young girls can grow up and see a stable, well-supported path in professional basketball without compromise.
Over her decade in the league, Elena has seen real progress. “The past few years, there’s been a huge jump. From where we started to now, it’s incredible,” she shared. “The product has always been there—now it’s about getting the support behind it.”
Elena Delle Donne Net Worth and Career Highlights
As of 2025, Elena Delle Donne’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, accumulated through WNBA salaries, brand partnerships, and personal ventures. She has inked deals with brands such as Nike, and has long been a recognizable figure in national campaigns and league promotions.
On the court, her accolades include:
- WNBA MVP in 2015 and 2019
- WNBA Champion with the Washington Mystics in 2019
- Multiple All-Star selections
- First WNBA player to join the 50-40-90 club, a rare shooting achievement in basketball
- Olympic gold medalist with Team USA in 2016
Life Outside the Spotlight
Off the court, Elena and Amanda live a relatively private life, sharing glimpses of their relationship on social media, often featuring their dogs and peaceful moments at home. Elena, who has battled chronic Lyme disease, often speaks about mental and physical health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and resilience.
The couple has also expressed interest in expanding their family, though they’ve remained private about the specifics.
Final Thoughts
Elena Delle Donne and Amanda Clifton are more than just a high-profile sports couple—they’re symbols of hope, love, and leadership in a world that continues to evolve toward inclusivity and empathy. Through visibility, authenticity, and purpose-driven advocacy, they’ve become a guiding light for fans, families, and future athletes.
Their story reminds us all: being true to yourself can inspire a world of change.