September 21, 2021
Inside WNBA’s multi-year partnership with DICK’s Sporting Goods
By Tee Baker
Sports retailer will feature WNBA merchandise in stores nationwide and online
The WNBA announced today that DICK’s Sporting Goods will become the league’s official marketing partner. With this partnership, DICK’s will become the largest national retailer for league merchandise.
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The news was first reported by our own Pepper Persley.
“This partnership is a significant opportunity for the WNBA as we celebrate our landmark 25th season, with DICK’S Sporting Goods playing a substantial role in driving continued interest and engagement surrounding our league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a press release from the league. “By having a significant presence of WNBA and team merchandise at DICK’S locations in the country, we will now have even more opportunities to connect our fans with their favorite teams. DICK’S commitment to the WNBA is [diverse and] inclusive leadership in action.”
The sporting goods retailer will carry authentic WNBA sports apparel and equipment including league-official Wilson basketballs and each each team’s Nike jerseys. DICK’s will also carry t-shirts and the iconic Logoman hoodie. Product will be available in select DICK’s Sporting Goods locations, including all 12 markets. It will also be available for online purchase.
The WNBA will additionally work with the sporting goods partner to help grow the visibility of the league and women’s sports in general. The organizations will partner to develop community-driven programs to inspire the next generation of women athletes through youth participation and player development opportunities.
“The WNBA is a premier example of how sport can define leaders and celebrate the current and next generation of female athletes,” said Lauren Hobart, President and CEO of DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Today marks an important next step in our journey to support female athletes, and we look forward to collaborating with the W to provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage and connect with women’s basketball, the league and its players.”
The partnership is set to launch alongside the 2021 WNBA playoffs, which tip off this Thursday, September 23.
Written by Tee Baker
Tee has been a contributor to The Next since March Madness 2021 and is currently a contributing editor, BIG EAST beat reporter and curator of historical deep dives.
