NEW YORK – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today the formation of a first-of-its-kind collective – WNBA Changemakers – which brings together values-driven businesses who lead the way in the advancement of women and sports.   WNBA Changemakers will partner with the WNBA to significantly elevate the player experience and enable the league’s business transformation.  WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the Changemakers platform during the league’s announcement with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) of a new, historic WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Changemakers platform is designed to provide direct support to the WNBA in its ongoing business transformation across marketing, branding, and player and fan experience. With a fresh approach to sports sponsorship, Changemakers are deeply invested in driving positive change for the WNBA, women’s sports, and women in society. Not only are partners providing financial investment, but they are further lifting the league and players through marketing amplification and close strategic collaboration. This group of leaders is redefining what it means to live organizational values through business partnerships.

The WNBA is thrilled to announce that the inaugural WNBA Changemakers will include AT&T, the Official Marquee Partner of the WNBA, Deloitte, the newest league partner and the Official Professional Services Provider of the WNBA and Nike, the Official Outfitter of the WNBA.

“We are launching the WNBA Changemakers platform to team up with organizations who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to women’s advancement and are pioneers in inclusive leadership,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.  “The support from these WNBA Changemaker companies will allow us to provide an enhanced player experience for the amazing professional athletes in the WNBA.  We tip off our 24^th WNBA season in May, and because of the Changemakers support, we will begin to narrow the gap that exists for women sports, as only 1% of all global corporate sponsorship dollars are directed toward women’s sports.  We look forward to other companies joining our vision to drive change toward a more equitable and inclusive ecosystem.”

“AT&T set out with the WNBA last year to elevate their amazing athletes, and that collaboration led us to be an inaugural Changemaker, ready to use our modern media company’s resources to help level the playing field,” said Fiona Carter, AT&T Chief Brand Officer.  “I look forward to other brands stepping up their commitment to women athletes and joining our efforts to increase the representation, visibility and distribution of women in sports.”

“Deloitte is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and well-being,” said Dr. Terri Cooper, chief inclusion officer, from Deloitte U.S. “We look forward to bringing our business insights to the WNBA and helping to drive real-world change.”

“Nike is thrilled to be partnering with the WNBA as an inaugural member of the Changemakers program,” said Sonja Henning, Nike Vice President/Global General Manager WNBA & NBA. “We see this program as an opportunity to continue the work we have been doing with the WNBA since its inception and drive new and meaningful change around women’s basketball.”