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DICK'S Sporting Goods and WNBA Extend Partnership

In a significant move that showcases their commitment to supporting women's sports, DICK'S Sporting Goods and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership. The collaboration first began in the fall of 2021 and will last through the end of the 2028 season. This renewed agreement solidifies DICK'S position as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and an Official Marketing Partner of the WNBA, as well as solidifying its role with specific teams, namely the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx.

Emphasizing Youth Engagement

This season marks a new chapter for DICK'S as it steps in as a Proud Partner of the Jr. WNBA, a youth initiative aimed at encouraging girls to engage in basketball while promoting healthy growth and life skills beyond the sport. DICK'S will play an active role by hosting local youth programming at Jr. WNBA events.

Furthermore, the inclusion of GameChanger, a youth sports mobile application under DICK'S, as an Official Marketing Partner signifies a desire to enhance the youth basketball experience. This digital platform will facilitate real-time updates, scheduling, and live streaming capabilities, ensuring that players, coaches, and families can stay informed and connected throughout the basketball season.

The Importance of Women's Sports

Emily Silver, Chief Marketing and Athlete Experience Officer at DICK'S Sporting Goods, expressed the company's enthusiasm, noting their pride in the partnership and their long-standing belief in investing in women's sports as a viable business strategy. She stated: "We're proud to have been a WNBA partner for the last three years and are so thrilled to extend our partnership with the league for another four seasons... build powerful moments that support the league and its players for years to come."

Similarly, Colie Edison, Chief Growth Officer of the WNBA, highlighted the significance of this partnership in enhancing community engagement and elevating women's sports. She acknowledged DICK'S essential role in providing fans with greater access to the game, thereby fostering a sense of community and shared growth within the sport.

Fan Engagement and Accessibility

DICK'S will amplify its engagement across various channels including in-game presence, social media, and marquee WNBA events like the ATT WNBA All-Star and WNBA Live. Sports fans can look forward to a wide selection of authentic WNBA apparel and equipment at over 300 DICK'S locations, covering all 13 WNBA markets, along with online shopping options through its website and mobile app.

Moreover, in collaboration with Nike, DICK'S continues to champion youth basketball through the It's Her Shot initiative, which has seen tremendous success since its launch in 2021. The program provides free basketball events for girls aged 8-18, including skills clinics and mentorship opportunities with WNBA players. To date, this initiative has positively impacted over 3,000 young female athletes across multiple WNBA markets, donating more than $300,000 to support youth organizations nationwide.

A Commitment to the Future

The partnership signifies not just a mutual business agreement but a wider effort in promoting women’s basketball and advancing the visibility of the league’s athletes. DICK'S aims to make WNBA jerseys readily available, ensuring fans can support their favorite teams and players, especially the league’s promising new talent. By focusing on supporting jersey sales and engaging fans, DICK'S is making significant contributions toward propelling women's sports into the forefront of athletic and cultural significance.

In short, the renewal of DICK'S Sporting Goods' partnership with the WNBA highlights an important step forward in its mission to support women's athletics and foster youth engagement. As the WNBA embarks on its 29th season, this partnership is key to creating a lasting impact on the future of women’s sports and its community.

For more information about DICK'S Sporting Goods and their initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media.