When I saw that Netflix was dropping Wags to Riches, I was soooo excited. I was looking forward to the same level of realness, insights, and impressiveness that we saw in Netflix’s Quarterback and Receiver. The show’s trailers promised a juicy inside look at the lives of the women "behind" prominent athletes and entertainers. Instead, we got a lot of bank account comparisons and a whole bunch of surface-level drama.

First, Let Me Tell You Who’s Who

There were nine women on the show, each tied to someone famous, each living a life worth documenting.

Sharelle Rosado: Founder of Allure Realty, mother of four, fiancée of Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson.
Maranda Johnson: Real estate agent at Allure Realty, aspiring rapper, girlfriend of Kodak Black.
Ashley Wheeler: Real estate agent at Allure Realty, podcast host, wife to NFL player Philip Wheeler.
Alexis Welch Stoudemire: Businesswoman, mother, ex-wife of Amar'e Stoudemire.
Porsha Berto: Real estate agent at Allure Realty, founder of Bad Bxtch Good Mom, wife to world champion boxer Andre Berto.
Sadé Vanessa: Entrepreneur, fiancée to NFL player Robbie Chosen Anderson.
Lastonia Leviston: Boutique owner, mother to a daughter with Rick Ross.
Keeta Hill: Entrepreneur, mother, wife to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Julz Goddard: CEO of 1 AM Media, mother, co-parent with NFL player Duke Riley.

An impressive lineup, right? Different backgrounds, ages, and experiences. But somehow, the show made them all feel one-dimensional—all hustle, little heart.

The Focus on Financial Wealth

Many of the women seemed preoccupied with demonstrating their value through financial success. It was odd for a variety of reasons.

First, there’s the common assumption that celebrities are wealthy, and by extension, their partners share in that wealth and don’t need a job. When they do work, it’s because they have the freedom to pursue passion projects—music, beauty, fashion, entrepreneurship—fields that don’t always promise stability but spark joy.

I was excited to watch women enjoying their husbands’ success while chasing long-held dreams. And we got a little glimpse of that—Maranda pursuing music, Alexis expanding her ventures, Julz running her company. But then, there was another narrative: women chasing wealth for wealth's sake—to prove they had their own money. And the oddest part? They all seemed to do it by working for the same person, Sharelle.

I guess it’s smart—follow the formula that worked for someone in a similar situation. But it gave Sharelle an outsized sense of power, while the others—who I’m sure were talented and capable in their own right—were diminished, hoping and praying to be part of her company. The focus became money, not fulfillment. But I suppose, with a title like Wags to Riches, I should have expected that.

What Was Missing? The Life Part of WAG Life

What I would have loved to see was everything that makes the life of a sports wife unique. For Sharelle, Alexis, and Porsha—married to retired athletes—what does that mean for family dynamics? Are the husbands showing up more now? What does co-parenting look like post-retirement? We got a glimpse of that with Sharelle—probably because her wealth is already established.

For Maranda, partnered with a rapper, it would've been fascinating to see what life with Kodak Black really entails—though, to be fair, we’ve seen that story on Love and Hip Hop, and she gave us all of that.

For Ashley, Sadé, and Keeta—all married to current athletes—where was the insight into how they balance family, career, and their husbands' demanding schedules? Ashley gave us a peek into her family life, but that was it. They tried to explore this with Sadé, but she seemed guarded. And Keeta? Her absence spoke volumes—she wasn’t filming much because she was supporting her husband during training camp. That’s the real WAG life: showing up when your partner’s career demands it while trying to juggle everything else.

These moments existed—but they were fleeting, often framed as inconveniences rather than insights. The focus always returned to wealth.

The Identity Crisis of Sports Wives

Watching Wags to Riches made me reflect on how sports wives navigate identity. From what I’ve seen—and lived—we tend to fall into three lanes:

Their husband’s profession is their primary identity. This is common for homemakers—and it makes sense. It allows them to lean fully into the role of supporter—managing game-day routines, showing up for team events, and holding down the home front. I was hoping to see more of this—it can be beautiful when done with intention.
Their husband’s profession is completely separate from their identity. These women build lives entirely detached from sports. They might show up on game day, but their careers, interests, and friend groups have nothing to do with the team. It’s independent and self-assured—but it also misses out on the shared experience of the sports world.
Their husband’s profession blends with their identity. This, I think, is where I fall. I’m proud to support my husband, but I’m also my own person, pursuing my career while showing up for his. It’s a balancing act, but it creates a partnership rooted in mutual respect.

Sadly, Wags to Riches didn’t show much of either the first or third lane—and that felt like a missed opportunity.

Redefining Riches: More Than Money

The hardest part for me was seeing how many of these women seemed to believe the only way to go from WAG to "riches" was through financial wealth. As if that’s the sole marker of success.

But wealth is so much more than money. It’s:

Friendships: The community you build with other women who get it.
Family: The home life you create, especially during the chaos of a sports season.
Body and Spirit: How you care for yourself through activities like fitness, wellness, and mental health.
Soul: What lights you up—creativity, volunteering, faith, joy.

I didn’t want to see women competing to be the biggest "boss bitch." I wanted to see women thriving in whatever way felt authentic to them—whether that’s running a business, raising babies, or simply enjoying the life they’ve built alongside someone they love.

Final Thoughts

Wags to Riches had potential—real potential—to show the nuanced lives of women navigating love, family, and selfhood alongside partners in the spotlight. But instead of authenticity, we got ambition without direction. Hustle without heart.

If Netflix ever decides to give us a Wags to Riches Season 2, I hope they widen the lens—because the real story of sports wives is so much richer than money can measure.

Did you watch Wags to Riches? I’d love to hear your thoughts—did it reflect what you expected? Or did it miss the mark for you, too? Drop your take in the comments or share this post if it resonated.