As the official underwear of the @WNBA, SKIMS is as comfortable as it gets. Just in time for the season tip-off Candace Parker, Cameron Brink, Kelsey Plum, Dijonai Carrington, and Skylar Diggins-Smith sport our Fits Everybody collection. pic.twitter.com/CYj9Ab6E0P

— SKIMS (@skims) May 13, 2024

Diggins-Smith described herself as a “menace” while Plum said she is “fire” on the basketball court.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the WNBA and to excite fans and female athletes through WNBA marquee events, brand activations, media, and campaigns,” Co-Founder & Creative Director, SKIMS, Kim Kardashian, said. “We look forward to working together in amplifying our joint values of women empowerment and individual confidence.”

The WNBA and SKIMS are gearing up for exciting activations at the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Stay tuned for exclusive product launches, interactive experiences, and more, all designed to celebrate the spirit of the game and the power of women in sports.

WNBA IN SPORTS BUSINESS:  A’ja Wilson: New Signature Basketball Shoe From Nike

Andscape’s Sean Hurd shares on the significance of Wilson’s signature shoe from Nike:

• Wilson is the first Black WNBA player to have a signature shoe since Candace Parker (2010-11)
• Wilson is the first Black woman since Sheryl Swoopes (2002) to have a signature basketball shoe with Nike.

Excerpts from the press release:

• “It’s been incredible working with Nike toward a dream of having my collection, and it really is an honor to take this next step and become a Nike signature athlete,” says Wilson. “From my logo to the look of the shoe and the pieces throughout the collection, we’ve worked to make sure every detail is perfectly tuned to my game and style.”

• Wilson’s experience with Nike has been reflected throughout the design process, says Ben Nethongkome, the lead footwear designer for her collection. From the onset, he says, A’ja was quick to share her aesthetic and performance priorities for her signature shoe, and her collaborative spirit and infectious energy helped the design team bring her vision to life.

• “The design process with Nike was really gratifying, and I didn’t realize how much goes into designing a shoe,” says Wilson. “My biggest asks were that the shoe was light and comfortable for all the hours I spend on the court, and that it also looks really good. It’s versatile, and I hope people will wear it when they’re hooping but also just when they’re walking around every day. It’s so exciting to be sharing my signature, a piece of me, with the world.”

.@_ajawilson22 dropped some clues for her new Nike signature shoes

Here’s what to expect for now. pic.twitter.com/rUB23ZwgZm

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 11, 2024

Wilson joins Nike’s growing list of women in sports who are their signature athletes including Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Osaka and Sabrina Ionescu.

Brands are strategically aligning themselves with women’s basketball, recognizing the sport’s potential in today’s marketplace. The partnerships forged by influential women in basketball, such as Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, are clear indicators of how corporations can significantly enhance their brand exposure, position, profits, and influence by investing in women’s sports.

CANDACE PARKER AND ADIDAS

Candace Parker, after retiring, is “entering a new chapter as President of adidas Women’s Basketball,” which was power personified for me when I read today’s announcement in my inbox. She joins her TNT cohort, Shaquille O’Neal at Reebok, as another president of a sports apparel maker.   Her story is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and business leaders.

“Stepping into this new leadership role is a deeply personal next step in my journey with adidas,” Candace Parker, President of adidas Women’s Basketball, said about her new position. “From high school to college to playing pro to now, this appointment by adidas symbolizes a shared commitment to making impactful change and setting new benchmarks for the future of women’s sports. It’s not just about products; it’s about fostering a movement focused on innovation, representation, and access.”

would be kind of dope if Candace Parker’s first move as pres of Adidas was to bring A’ja Wilson over from Nike and get her a signature shoe pic.twitter.com/0gIzOVwkDb

— Lyndsey D’Arcangelo (@darcangel21) May 8, 2024

“We are honored to be a part of Candace’s historic legacy as she transitions from signature athlete to this new leadership role within adidas Basketball,” Eric Wise, Global GM at adidas Basketball, stated. “As a true innovator with a profound passion for the game, we are confident that she is a perfect fit to evolve the adidas Women’s Basketball business and catalyze a new era of growth and credibility for the brand.”

The historic announcement continued, “Parker is set to play a pivotal role in building upon the brand’s storied women’s roster—which boasts all-stars like Aliyah Boston, Hailey Van Lith, Kahleah Copper, Aaliyah Edwards, Chelsea Gray, Betnijah Laney, Alysha Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Erica Wheeler, among others. Rounding out her role, she’ll also be overseeing adidas Women’s Basketball products lines.

This role underscores the brand’s commitment to amplifying women in Basketball and its recognition of Candace’s enduring impact as a driver of change and advocate for the sport. A visionary both on and off the court, Parker once again shatters the glass ceiling as she heralds a new era of inclusive and transformative leadership in the sports industry.

Candace’s appointment to President of adidas Women’s Basketball is effective immediately.”   

Effective immediately, and take note. Black women in sports business efforts are wielding powerful swords – and, they’re bringing the money.

GATORADE INKS A’JA WILSON 

Let’s see. She’s the WNBA’s two-time MVP, Finals MVP, back-to-back league champion, Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time WNBA all-star, gold medalist, and former league rookie of the year. Oh yeah, the Las Vegas Aces star is a best-selling author who won a national championship with Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.  

Many believe it was overdue for a well-known brand to “come to their senses” by partnering with the WNBA superstar, A’ja Wilson. Tuesday’s press releases featured Gatorade inking a deal with Wilson to become a brand ambassador like Zion Williamson, who is for the sports beverage maker.  

Wilson told SLAM Magazine: “That’s why I was so geeked when I got it [the Gatorade deal] because I’m like, I’ve been drinking this forever. Orange Gatorade will forever be my life. I love that. I love that flavor. It’s No. 1 for me. It really dates back to the high school days.” 

A little BTS…
xo @naomiosaka x @Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/f0mIwyhL15

— Sha’Carri Richardson (@itsshacarri) May 7, 2024

ANGEL REESE

The Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese joined a product campaign with world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and tennis star Naomi Osaka to promote the new Beats By Dre “Beats Solo 4” headphones.    

Angel Reese plans to gift her Sky teammates and coaches Beats headphones — and keep hooking them up with her endorsement deals throughout the year.

“Wherever they want to go, we going.” pic.twitter.com/LBA1lptBW3

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 7, 2024

I’m seriously so glad Angel Reese gets to be coached by Teresa Weatherspoon. A perfect fit. pic.twitter.com/UCx91jBxe2

— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) May 8, 2024

She told Chicago media that she plans to give the headphones to her new teammates.

Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is not only a talented wide receiver but projects to become a significant figure in the world of sports.  At this year’s NFL Draft, he will unveil New Balance’s inaugural American football cleat, named the “Prodigy,” marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history.

The Intelligent Choice.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and New Balance. #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/loKOcHfFX3

— New Balance (@newbalance) April 23, 2024

“I just think the values that New Balance and I share have aligned,” Harrison Jr. told Andscape’s Aaron Dodson about the deal.  “Most importantly, the brand will allow me to have an impact on the community and the younger generation.  I want to inspire young athletes to be great in their own way.”

“From the first conversation with Marvin it was clear that he was a perfect fit for us at New Balance,” Naveen Lokesh, New Balance’s head of global sports marketing for American football and basketball, said to Andscape.

Harrison is projected to be on the radar for the Arizona Cardinals who select at No. 4 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“As a little girl growing up you always dream of playing basketball and getting your first trading card – I can’t wait for fans everywhere to be able to start collecting my Panini cards,” Reese said.

The former “Bayou Barbie” and 2023 national champion from LSU is projected to be a top-ten prospect in the 2024 WNBA Draft on Apr. 15.

A true game changer, on and off of the court

Honored to welcome the iconic @Reese10Angel to the Panini Exclusive Family!

Angel’s first Panini Cards will be available at 3:00 PM EST here: https://t.co/3XsYkmPG2a #WhoDoYouCollect pic.twitter.com/dWAA9AoHEv

— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) April 10, 2024

“Angel is an outstanding talent and an electric player, and we are excited to welcome her to the Panini family as an exclusive athlete,” Jason Howarth, Panini America’s senior vice president of marketing and athlete relations, said in a released statement.

Panini’s first product with Reese is the $9.99 Panini Instant card, which is available on the company’s website.

Reese declared for the WNBA Draft a day after losing to Iowa in the NCAA Women’s Championship semifinal game. The Hawkeye’s legendary guard, Cailin Clark, announced a deal with Panini last month.   Clark projects to become the overall draft pick in the WNBA Draft’s first round.

The two young superstars intend to make their professional debut at the beginning of the WNBA season.