New Balance Partners with WNBA: A Game-Changer for Women’s Sports
A Multiyear Deal
New Balance has announced a multiyear deal with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), joining a growing roster of backers for women’s sports. As an official partner, New Balance will be featured in broadcast, digital, and retail content, including campaigns featuring Los Angeles Sparks rookie forward Cameron Brink.
New Balance’s Entry into the Women’s Sports Market
This partnership comes as New Balance looks to grow the company’s share across basketball and become a leader in women’s sports. The brand is no stranger to partnering with high-profile athletes, having signed stars like Kawhi Leonard and Coco Gauff in the past. This deal marks a significant move into the women’s basketball market, which is currently dominated by Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Puma, and Under Armour.
The WNBA: A Growing Force
The WNBA has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, with attendance up 16% from last season and average viewership of 1.2 million per game. The league’s growing fan base and increasing recognition have made it an attractive partner for brands like New Balance. According to WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison, the league is seeing an influx of fans and partners, allowing it to create a new economic model for long-term business sustainability.
Cameron Brink: A Trailblazer
Los Angeles Sparks rookie forward Cameron Brink is one of the stars of the WNBA’s rising talent. She was signed by New Balance last year and became the first female basketball player to join the brand’s roster. Brink’s unique story and influence on the court have made her an excellent ambassador for New Balance’s growing presence in women’s sports.
A Growing Business
New Balance has seen significant growth in recent years, with sales of $6.5 billion in 2023, a 23% increase from the previous year. The brand’s footprint is also expanding, with 90 new stores planned for 2024. With its entry into the women’s sports market, New Balance is hoping to capitalize on the growing popularity of the WNBA and women’s basketball.
Conclusion
The partnership between New Balance and the WNBA marks an exciting development in the world of women’s sports. With its growing presence in the market, New Balance is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more brands and partnerships like this emerge in the coming years.
FAQs
Q: What does this partnership mean for the WNBA?
A: The partnership between New Balance and the WNBA is a significant development for the league, providing additional resources and support for the growth and development of women’s basketball.
Q: How does this partnership impact the women’s sports market?
A: This partnership marks a major entry by New Balance into the women’s sports market, bringing a new brand and set of resources to the industry. This increased investment and attention is likely to benefit the market as a whole.
Q: Who is Cameron Brink, and why is she significant to this partnership?
A: Cameron Brink is a rookie forward for the Los Angeles Sparks and one of the top rising stars in the WNBA. Her partnership with New Balance makes her the first female basketball player to sign with the brand and serves as a symbol of the company’s commitment to women’s sports.
Q: What are the goals of this partnership for New Balance?
A: New Balance is seeking to grow its presence in the women’s sports market and capitalize on the growing popularity of the WNBA. This partnership is seen as a key step in achieving these goals and increasing the brand’s visibility and influence in the industry.
Author: www.cnbc.com
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