Coach Partners with WNBA to Celebrate Self-Expression and Style in Sports

Coach and WNBA Form a Meaningful Partnership

In a groundbreaking announcement, Coach and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) have unveiled a multiyear partnership that seeks to uplift the message of courageous self-expression through the realms of basketball and fashion. As part of this alliance, Coach will take on the role of the official handbag partner for the league, marking a significant intersection between athleticism and luxury fashion.

The aim of this collaboration is clear: to empower players and fans alike to boldly express their unique identities. Coach’s initiative, themed 'Courage to Be Real', serves as a platform designed to inspire individuals to explore the multifaceted aspects of their identities confidently.

One of the initial highlights of this partnership will be the WNBA Draft 2025, set to take place on April 14, 2025, at The Shed in New York City. This prominent event will feature the WNBA Draft Orange Carpet, presented by Coach, welcoming the league’s newest rookies in style. Moreover, Coach will amplify the narratives of five standout WNBA prospects—Paige Bueckers from the University of Connecticut, Hailey Van Lith from Texas Christian University, Aneesah Morrow from Louisiana State University, Kiki Iriafen from the University of South California, and Sonia Citron from Notre Dame. These athletes skillfully bridge their worlds of sport and fashion, making them ideal ambassadors for this initiative.

In a statement, Joon Silverstein, Chief Marketing Officer at Coach, articulated the shared values between the brand and the WNBA, stating, "Coach and the WNBA share a belief in the power of self-expression. We’re excited to partner with this league, which uniquely champions individuality, supporting these courageous athletes who inspire our audience to embrace the numerous possibilities of who they are."

A significant element of the partnership is Coach's involvement as a presenting partner of WNBA Pride, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2014 that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community within the sports realm. As part of this commitment, fans can look forward to a slate of nationally televised games under the WNBA Pride banner, along with a continuation of the limited-content series, 'Pride Is Love', available on the WNBA App for the third consecutive season.

Colie Edison, Chief Growth Officer of the WNBA, emphasized the synergy between sports and lifestyle in her remarks, asserting, "The WNBA sits at the intersection of sport and lifestyle and has always championed players to transition what they do on the court into their own personal style off the court. We look forward to collaborating with Coach to inspire fans everywhere to embrace individuality around key moments, including the WNBA Draft and WNBA Pride."

Beyond the WNBA Draft and Pride events, Coach will also take on the role of associate partner for the 2025 ATT WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis, where fans and players will converge for a celebration that merges sport, fashion, music, and culture.

About Coach

Founded in 1941, Coach is a globally recognized fashion house based in New York, known for its commitment to crafting quality and lasting fashion pieces. Under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers, the brand embodies a spirit of inclusivity and courage that resonates with individuals wanting to express themselves. Coach is a proud member of Tapestry, Inc., which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TPR.

About the WNBA

As it approaches its 29th season in 2025, the WNBA continues to celebrate and elevate basketball and its cultural significance. Recognized by Morning Consult as the fastest-growing brand in 2024, the league is making headlines worldwide for its extraordinary engagement on social media, compelling merchandise sales, and impressive attendance figures. The league is also known for its societal impact efforts through groundbreaking collaborations like the WNBA Changemakers Collective, comprising businesses like ATT, Carmax, Deloitte, Google, and Nike—all dedicated to revitalizing player experiences and enhancing the brand both on and off the court.

For fans of fashion, sports, and self-expression, this partnership between Coach and the WNBA heralds an exciting new chapter, blending the worlds of athleticism and artistry in a manner that promises to inspire and empower a diverse audience.