Erica Wheeler Biography: Erica Wheeler born May 2, 1991 is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Although she went undrafted after graduating from Rutgers, Wheeler successfully joined the WNBA in 2015.
Erica Wheeler Biography
Erica Wheeler’s journey from Liberty City, Miami, to WNBA success reads like a gripping thriller. Growing up amid hardship, Wheeler carved out her own legacy in professional basketball, reaching a pinnacle moment in 2019. Known for her dynamic playstyle, she is now a key figure on the Seattle Storm roster and a mentor to emerging talents like Caitlin Clark. After a notable stint with the Indiana Fever, Wheeler joined the Seattle Storm as an experienced point guard in February 2025.
Erica Wheeler Biography 2025 Details
| Born | May 2, 1991 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Listed weight | 143 lb (65 kg) |
| High school | Parkway Academy (Miramar, Florida) |
| College | Rutgers (2009–2013) |
| WNBA draft | 2013: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2013–present |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About Erica Wheeler
Erica Wheeler is an American professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Wheeler was undrafted out of Rutgers, but eventually made her way into the WNBA in 2015.
Erica Wheeler Wiki
- Born: 2 May 1991 (age 34 years), Miami, Florida, United States
- Current team: Seattle Storm (#17 / Guard)
- Height: 1.7 m
- Dates joined: 2021 (Los Angeles Sparks), 2017 (Beşiktaş JK), 2016 (Perfumerías Avenida, Indiana Fever)
- Education: Rutgers University–New Brunswick (2009–2013)
- Listed weight: 143 lb (65 kg)
- League: WNBA
Early Life
Wheeler was raised in Liberty City, a neighborhood in Miami known for its high crime rates. During her childhood, she experienced the loss of two close friends to violence. She attended Parkway Academy, where she was an active member of the basketball team.
Personal Background
Wheeler earned a scholarship to Rutgers University, where she was recruited by Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer. During her college years, Wheeler faced profound adversity when her mother, Melissa Cooper, passed away from cervical cancer in 2012. Her mother’s strength remains a driving force behind Wheeler’s perseverance and success.
Personal Life
Wheeler was raised by her single mother, Melissa, who balanced running a beauty and barber shop to support the family. In 2025, Wheeler is engaged to Danielle Edwards, assistant coach for Southern Methodist University’s women’s basketball team. The couple’s long-term relationship culminated in a marriage proposal in May 2023, celebrated by teammates and loved ones.
Career and Contracts
Despite going undrafted in 2013, Wheeler made her WNBA debut in 2015 with the Atlanta Dream, followed by the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever. Her tenure with the Fever was especially successful, highlighted by becoming the first undrafted player to win the WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2019. She later played for the Los Angeles Sparks before returning to the Fever. In 2025, she signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm. Her contracts have ranged from around $78,000 to over $400,000, reflecting her growth and value in the league.
Basketball Career Highlights
- High School: At Parkway Academy in Miramar, Florida, Wheeler was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2009, averaging over 26 points per game.
- College: At Rutgers, she developed into a formidable guard, leading the team in steals and scoring around 9 points per game.
- WNBA: Starting in 2015, Wheeler’s professional career included stints with several teams, becoming known for her leadership and clutch performances. She holds significant milestones such as 1,000+ career assists and 2,500+ points.
Awards and Achievements
Wheeler made WNBA history as the first undrafted player to win the All-Star Game MVP, tying the record with seven three-pointers and scoring 25 points. Off the court, she established the Wheeler Kids Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth.
Erica Wheeler Net Worth 2025
Erica Wheeler’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1.2 million. Her income stems from WNBA contracts, overseas play, endorsements, and smart investments. In 2021, she signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Adidas, worth about $50,000 annually. Wheeler is also co-owner of DSBG, a Miami-based clothing brand, and runs a popular interview series featuring undrafted athletes. She owns rental properties in Miami and has investments in tech startups and a restaurant in Atlanta. Reports suggest she owns a Tesla Model Y and a Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, along with a $500,000 Miami home purchased in 2021.
FAQs
What is Erica Wheeler’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Erica Wheeler’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 million, accumulated through WNBA contracts, overseas play, endorsements like Adidas, and investments in real estate and startups.
How old is Erica Wheeler?
Erica Wheeler was born on May 2, 1991, making her 34 years old in 2025.
How did Erica Wheeler get into the WNBA?
Despite going undrafted in 2013, Wheeler broke into the WNBA in 2015 by signing with the Atlanta Dream, later playing for teams like the New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, and Seattle Storm.
Who is Erica Wheeler engaged to?
Erica Wheeler is engaged to Danielle Edwards, a former Clemson University basketball player and current assistant coach for the SMU women’s basketball team.
What was Erica Wheeler’s college basketball experience like?
Wheeler played for Rutgers University under Hall of Fame coach C. Vivian Stringer, where she developed her game and led in steals, all while dealing with the emotional loss of her mother during her senior year.
What businesses and investments does Erica Wheeler have?
In addition to basketball, Wheeler co-owns a Miami-based clothing brand (DSBG), has real estate investments in Miami, and holds stakes in a tech startup and a three-level restaurant in Atlanta called Cliche Tapas and Wine.