To basketball fans, DeWanna Bonner is a two-time WNBA champion and one of the greatest scorers in league history. Out of the lines, however, she is also a mother dealing with the emotional realities of being away from her children during the WNBA season. That more personal side of Bonner became one of the most revealing parts of ESPN’s Life in the W documentary, which she took part in.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Responding to a question from sports reporter Cydney Henderson, who asked her about being part of the documentary, Bonner opened up about what the experience meant to her in an interview during a Phoenix Mercury practice. A clip of the interview was shared on X by Mercury beat writer Hayden Cilley, with Bonner explaining that the documentary gave fans an opportunity to see the human side of WNBA players beyond what they do on the basketball court.
“I just feel like people will kind of forget that we’re human first,” Bonner said. “So it was an opportunity to show, like, yeah, we have regular days, too. Like, yeah, we’re on the court, we’re playing basketball, it’s our jobs. Once we leave here, we have bills to pay. We got other stressors that real life humans have. Yeah, so sometimes some people need a little grace, you know? Like, every day is not always easy off the court. So it was pretty cool just to get to be inside.”
The documentary in question, Life in the W, is a six-part ESPN original documentary series. It featured DeWanna Bonner, Aces star A’ja Wilson, and Lynx’s Napheesa Collier.
The series pulled back the curtain on the 2025 WNBA season, tracking the players through the second half of that year and into their subsequent offseason. It followed them through the realities of life both on and off the court, giving fans a glimpse into the activities and sacrifices that often remain hidden behind a professional athlete’s public image.
On Bonner’s part, the series covered her personal life with her partner and fellow WNBA star, Alyssa Thomas, her life as a mother and co-parenting, possible thoughts about the end of her WNBA career, and even hinted at a potential transition to a front-office career.
In an earlier interview, Bonner explained that the series showed a different side of her life away from basketball and allowed fans to see the moments and relationships that keep her grounded throughout the demanding WNBA season.
“Basketball has been such a big part of my life, but it’s only one part of who I am,” DeWanna Bonner said. “This series shows the moments that matter most to me off the court too, especially the time I spend with my family. I’m grateful to share that side of my journey and give fans a look at what keeps me grounded throughout a long season.”
The series debuted on July 24, 2026, on ESPN2 to coincide with WNBA All-Star weekend. All six episodes are currently available to watch on the ESPN App and accessible to ESPN Select plan subscribers.