By: Alex Onaindia
The WNBA tips off its 25th season tonight when the New York Liberty host the Indiana Fever. The league will be celebrating the 25th anniversary all season long with their “Count It” campaign.
Despite the unusual circumstances in last year’s WNBA bubble due to COVID-19, the WNBA saw viewership ratings rise by 68%. Corporate sponsors are backing the league with more support than ever as it continues the momentum of last season. Nike has released three new uniforms for each of the 12 franchises. Wilson has released a new basketball that you will see in arenas across the country.
According to Business Insider, Google is officially a "WNBA Changemaker" — joining ESPN, Deloitte, and Nike as the league's top sponsors. In addition to further developing the league's marketing and storytelling efforts through the multiyear partnership, Google will team up with ESPN to bring 25 games from the 2021 season to national television.
The league will also debut the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, where 10 regular-season matchups before the Olympic break will count toward standings for the Commissioner’s Cup. The top team by record in those games in each conference will play each other in a championship game right after the break ends.
Excitement is at an all-time high on and off the court in the WNBA. What makes the WNBA more than just a sports league though is the athletes commitment to social justice and equal rights for all. Last season, the women of the WNBA dedicated the season to Breonna Taylor, and protested the grotesque murders of Jacob Blake and George Floyd.
ESPN Films, alongside Executive Producer and Los Angeles Sparks player, Chiney Ogwumike, debuted a fantastic documentary last night, “144”, that showcased the humanity, solidarity and strength of the 144 women in the WNBA bubble.
It is an incredible time for the WNBA as new fans and sponsors continue to gravitate to the league. Distinction has been a long-time supporter of the WNBA and we look forward to seeing our clients participating in the 2021 season, Natisha Hiedeman, Betnijah Laney and Erica Wheeler, succeed on and off the court.