YPulse just said last week that Gen Z’s favorite athletes are more than just players on a screen to them. They’re personalities, style leaders, and everyday content creators in young people’s feeds. Between game highlights, IG posts, GRWMs, and brand deals, the access feels constant—and makes athletes’ connection feel personal and relatable in a way previous gens never experienced. Young fans feel like they “know” athletes beyond the game, and that familiarity creates real trust: YPulse’s Celebrities and Influencers report shows athletes rank among the top public figures teens and young adults trust.  It’s that combination of trust, visibility, and...