Who is the blonde basketball player in the New Balance commercial?
Spotlighting the standout baller — and unveiling her identity
By Carmichael Phillip
Which New Balance commercial — and who might the “blonde basketball player” be?
When you see a New Balance basketball commercial featuring a basketball player with blonde hair and wonder “who is that,” chances are you’re seeing Cameron Brink. She’s widely identified by media outlets as the “woman” or “blonde baller” in a recent campaign from New Balance — part of a push to expand their basketball roster beyond the NBA elite.
According to coverage, this ad — often referred to as the brand’s “We Got Now” basketball spot — brings together several hoop talents. And among them, Cameron Brink stands out: not only for her play, but visually — her height, build, and light hair help her stand out, which has led many people to remember her as the “blonde basketball player.”
In the rest of this article, I’ll walk you through who Cameron Brink is, why she’s in the ad, what her role is, and why New Balance’s decision is meaningful.
Who is Cameron Brink — background & basketball credentials
Cameron Brink is a rising basketball star who, as of 2024, made history by becoming the first female basketball player ever signed by New Balance.
Her résumé is impressive: she played college basketball for the Stanford Cardinal, where she achieved a high level of success.
Her defensive acumen, athleticism, versatility, and tall frame helped her earn recognition among men’s and women’s basketball fans alike.
By joining New Balance’s basketball roster, Brink became part of a select group of hoopers — joining names like Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, and others. Her inclusion marked a milestone for gender representation in basketball advertising.
Her presence indicates New Balance’s desire to show that their basketball footwear and apparel aren’t just for NBA stars — but also for elite women’s players, up‑and‑coming talent, and a broader audience.
What happens in the New Balance basketball commercial — and Cameron’s role
In the “We Got Now” campaign video, New Balance assembles a mix of players — NBA stars and up‑and‑coming athletes — to showcase the brand’s basketball gear. Among the lineup is Cameron Brink, who shares the screen with players like Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, and others.
Though the ad is short, the decision to include a woman — especially someone with noticeable features such as light/blonde hair — helped Brink stand out. Observers quickly identified her as the “blonde baller.”
Beyond representation, her role carries symbolic weight: she represents the widening scope of elite basketball — not limited to the NBA or male players. By showing her alongside top‑tier male professionals, New Balance signals that basketball skill and excellence transcends gender.
In media interviews, Brink herself expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing her desire to inspire younger athletes, especially women, and to help grow the visibility of women’s basketball at high levels.
Why New Balance’s decision to include her matters — beyond just one commercial
The inclusion of a female athlete — and specifically a woman with distinctive physical traits (like blonde hair) — in a traditionally male‑dominated sphere sends a broader message. Here’s why it matters:
Gender representation in sports advertising: By featuring Cameron Brink, New Balance disrupts the common pattern of only men wearing basketball gear in commercials. It sends a signal that women’s basketball is just as valid, marketable, and worth investing in as men’s.
Expanding the audience base: Fans of women’s basketball — as well as young girls dreaming of hoops — see themselves represented. For New Balance, that widens potential customers beyond the traditional male basketball demographic.
Brand values & inclusivity: The move suggests that New Balance wants to be associated with diversity, inclusion, and progress — embracing athletes regardless of gender. It positions NB as forward-thinking in a competitive industry.
Normalization of female athletic prowess: When a woman stands shoulder to shoulder with NBA stars in an ad, it helps normalize the idea that female athletes belong on the same stage. That, culturally, contributes to erasing gender bias in sports perception.
Thus, the “blonde basketball player” isn’t just a random visual — she’s a statement.
Public reaction & what people are saying
There’s been considerable buzz around the New Balance commercial — including excitement and commendation for the inclusion of Cameron Brink. Some fans and media praised the brand for taking a bold step: embracing women’s basketball and expanding visibility.
Observers also noted that Brink looked confident and capable, blending seamlessly with male pros on the court. For some, seeing her in the ad felt like a symbolic moment — recognition that talent matters, not gender.
Of course, as with any inclusive move in sports and marketing, there is also resistance: some traditionalists or critics balk at mixing male and female athletes in such games or ads. But overall, the conversation has trended positive — focusing on representation, progress, and what the move could mean for the future of basketball marketing.
For Cameron herself, the attention seems to reaffirm her status not just as a rising WNBA star (or former college star), but as an icon of change and representation in women’s hoops. That alone may be one of the biggest wins from the commercial.
What we know about Cameron Brink now — and what might be ahead
Brink’s signing with New Balance marks a milestone: she is the first female basketball athlete on the brand’s roster.
Her inclusion in the commercial suggests that New Balance plans to support — and spotlight — women’s basketball as a serious component of its brand identity, not as an afterthought.
For Brink personally, the commercial offers increased visibility — not only among basketball fans but among general consumers. That exposure can lead to more endorsement opportunities, influence in design or marketing, and possibly help promote women’s basketball more broadly.
More broadly, this may influence other brands to reevaluate their own rosters and campaigns. If New Balance’s campaign proves successful — commercially or culturally — it sets a precedent for inclusion of women (and underrepresented athletes) in high‑profile sports advertising.
In short: this isn’t just a marketing moment — it could be a turning point in how basketball advertising is approached.
Why some people might mis‑identify or forget who she is — and what to look for
Despite the coverage, not everyone realizes the blonde player is Cameron Brink. That may be because:
The ad is fast‑paced, with many players featured; viewers may catch only a glimpse.
For many years, most basketball commercials have featured only male players; the sudden inclusion of a woman — even a tall, elite athlete — may feel unexpected, so some viewers simply assume she’s a male (or overlook her).
Not everyone recognizes female players, or follows women’s basketball, so the presence of a woman among NBA stars may surprise some viewers.
If you see a New Balance ad with a tall, blonde basketball player — paying attention to the hair, build, court moves, and overall look — those are good clues she might be Cameron Brink. Cross-referencing with recent NB ads and articles can also help confirm.
Conclusion: The blonde basketball player is Cameron Brink — and her role matters
If you’ve recently watched a New Balance basketball commercial and thought, “Who is that blonde baller?” — the answer is very likely Cameron Brink. As the first female basketball player signed by New Balance, and the standout “blonde baller” in the “We Got Now” campaign, she represents a significant shift in basketball advertising.
Her inclusion isn’t just a token gesture: it reflects changing attitudes about gender in sports, expanding brand strategies, and the growing prominence of women’s basketball. For Brink, it’s a spotlight on talent and possibility; for New Balance, it’s a statement of values. And for audiences — male, female, young, old — it’s a vision of basketball where greatness is defined by skill and dedication, not gender.
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