Celebrating a New Era in Women's Basketball
In a significant move to uplift women's sports, Maker's Mark has become the first Official Spirits Partner of
Unrivaled, a groundbreaking women's basketball league set to return for its second season in January 2026. This collaboration, uniting two pioneering brands, promises to enrich the experience of both basketball enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike.
A First for Maker's Mark
This partnership marks Maker's Mark's first venture into sports sponsorship, a bold step for the iconic Kentucky bourbon brand. The deal will bring the spirit of competitive play to life across multiple locations, including the Sephora Arena in Miami and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where the league will host its games.
Napheesa Collier, co-founder of Unrivaled, expressed her excitement over the partnership, stating, "What Maker's Mark has done throughout its renowned history aligns perfectly with Unrivaled’s mission to carve a new path in women's basketball by embracing bold ideas." This shared vision of innovation and breaking tradition is central to both brands’ identities.
Engaging Experiences for Fans
As part of the multi-year collaboration, ticket holders will have unique opportunities to engage with Maker's Mark through interactive brand experiences designed for fans. At Sephora Arena, Maker's Mark will feature a VIP Loge Box, offering guests an immersive environment where they can enjoy the games alongside specially crafted cocktails inspired by the league.
Additionally, the partnership will enhance the overall game-day atmosphere with Maker's Mark activations at pre-game Fan Fest events. These activations will allow fans to participate in games, capture memorable photos, and access exclusive merchandise, all while enjoying the excitement of Unrivaled's distinctive style.
In-arena advertising will further elevate the collaboration, with visual displays and thirty-second commercial spots airing on major networks such as TNT and truTV throughout the season. This advertising initiative will highlight the new "Perfectly Unreasonable" campaign, which emphasizes the remarkable lengths both brands go to achieve excellence.
A Commitment to Innovation
Rob Samuels, Maker's Mark's managing director, highlighted the synergy between the brands, noting how Maker's Mark has a rich legacy of innovation that mirrors Unrivaled’s approach to the game. "Our founders broke with tradition to redefine bourbon, just as Unrivaled is redefining women's basketball. It’s about a commitment to passion, purpose, and progress both on and off the court," he stated.
As Unrivaled prepares to kick off its anticipated 2026 season on January 5, fans can look forward to a more expansive experience with the introduction of new clubs, a revamped arena, and enhanced national broadcast coverage. With partnerships evolving and a star-studded roster, Unrivaled continues to set the stage for the future of women's professional basketball.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Maker's Mark and Unrivaled is a testament to both brands' dedication to challenging conventions and fostering community. Going forward, fans can expect exclusive content, special cocktail recipes, and opportunities to engage with the brands at local bars and events. To explore more about this partnership and stay updated, visit
Maker's Mark and follow them on social media.
Together, Maker's Mark and Unrivaled are not just changing the game—they are redefining what it means to support and celebrate women's sports.