Nike, Inc. is officially an investor of the WNBA.
As the league continues to grow and after a monumental season to cap off its 25th anniversary, the W continues to receive the recognition and financial support it deserves.
The investment from the parent company of Nike, Converse, and Jordan Brand comes as no surprise as Nike, Inc. has made its commitment to women in sports exponentially. Both Nike and Jordan Brand added a handful of stars to their rosters.
“Women’s sport is one of the best investments, with great potential to impact and grow the next era of basketball,” Sonja Henning, VP, NA Leagues Partnerships, Nike, Inc., said. “Nike has always been more than a sponsor with the WNBA — we’re a strategic partner. And we’re proud to be part of a movement that is redefining sport for a new generation — for WNBA players, fans and girls.”
Through the equity investment, Nike and the WNBA will work together to grow the league by deepening WNBA storytelling to create more visibility for WNBA athletes and bring more girls into basketball through additional grassroots opportunities, according to the announcement.
The league’s stars weighed in on the announcement.
“I have always been an advocate for ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’” Las Vegas Aces forward A’Ja Wilson said. “As a Nike athlete, I’m so proud to see the company’s expanded investment in the WNBA. It isn’t just about more support for players today, it also means more opportunity than ever to inspire young girls to dream big.”
In addition to Wilson’s comment, former Oregon Ducks and current New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu chimed in.
“One of the reasons I joined the Nike family was our shared commitment to growing the game and creating impact that’s even bigger than basketball,” Ionescu said. “What excites me most about Nike’s expanded partnership with the WNBA is the chance to inspire future generations and help move the world forward through sport.”
Does this mean we’ll get more WNBA Nike signature shoes (which are long overdue)? While time will tell, we anticipate big things due to the investment.
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