NEW YORK – The WNBA today launched “Take a Seat, Take a Stand,” its new women and girls empowerment program for the 2018 season.  When regular-season games begin tomorrow, May 18, WNBA tickets will do more than support women’s sports – when fans take a seat at a WNBA game, they will also have the chance to support several organizations that are changing the game for women and girls.

For each ticket purchased, the WNBA will donate $5 to one of six organizations of the fans’ choosing in addition to a ticket to send a young woman or girl to a game to inspire her by the strength, talent and leadership of the women of the WNBA.  Fans can also choose to donate tickets directly to one of the organizations.  Tickets are available now at www.wnba.com/takeastand.

“For 22 years, the WNBA and its players – women playing at the highest level of their sport – have stood up as role models for millions of women and girls,” said WNBA President Lisa Borders.  “With ‘Take a Seat, Take a Stand,’ we are proud to come together as a league to stand with our partner organizations, our fans and the many inspiring women raising their voices for change in the current women’s movement.”

WNBA “Take A Seat, Take A Stand” TV Spot: https://youtu.be/GXY3NbQkczk

The six national partner organizations for “Take a Seat, Take a Stand,” selected for their advocacy on behalf of girls and women, are:

• Bright Pink, a national nonprofit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.
• GLSEN, a national network of students, educators, parents and community leaders working to create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ students.
• It’s On Us, a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way we think about sexual assault.
• MENTOR, the unifying champion for quality youth mentoring in the United States.
• Planned Parenthood, the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education.
• The United State of Women, a national organization for any woman who sees that we need a different America for all women to survive and thrive — and wants to work collectively to achieve it.

In addition to these organizations, fans will have the choice to support local organizations in all 12 teams’ communities, which will vary by city.

“We’re so grateful the WNBA is standing up for the 2.4 million patients who rely on Planned Parenthood and supporting issues that affect the health, well-being, and success of women and girls,” said Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  “Players have used their platforms to bring attention to inequality and, through ‘Take a Seat, Take a Stand,’ the WNBA is giving fans an opportunity to join them in the fight for social change.”

“Bright Pink is proud to be part of such an important new initiative with the WNBA to empower women and girls to be voices for change,” said Katie Thiede, CEO of Bright Pink.  “The WNBA has been an incredible partner to our organization by helping thousands of women know their risk for breast and ovarian cancer and be their own best health advocates.  This program demonstrates the WNBA’s strong commitment to women’s causes and is a shining example of everything the league represents to our communities.  We’re thrilled to be involved.”

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the WNBA as part of this fan engagement campaign,” said Eliza Byard, Executive Director, GLSEN.  “The league and its players have made such a difference for so many women and girls, and especially for young LGBT athletes who often feel unwelcome in the world of sports.  Thanks to the league and its fans, GLSEN will be able to open so many more doors of opportunity to LGBT students in school, on the court, and beyond.”

“It’s On Us is excited to join forces with the WNBA’s ‘Take A Seat Take A Stand’ campaign to inspire and empower women and girls,” said Tina Tchen, Partner, Buckley Sandler LLP & Co-Founder of It’s On Us.  “For decades, the WNBA and its players have been strong advocates for gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and youth empowerment and we are excited to partner with the WNBA family to collectively take a stand against sexual assault.”

“We are so grateful for the NBA family’s consistent support and partnership to elevate mentoring,” said David Shapiro, CEO of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.  “Teaming up with the WNBA in our shared mission to bring people together, build relationships, and prioritize equity is such a natural match.  Young people seeing extraordinary women competing and leading at the highest level expands the narrative about what is possible in their own lives and in our culture.”

“The United State of Women is thrilled to partner with the WNBA to support young women and girls across the country,” said Jordan Brooks, Managing Director, United State of Women.  “The WNBA is home to so many inspiring women who wow us with their skills on the court and serve as role models in the community.  We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this effort and look forward working together to inspire and elevate women and girls around the country.”

Take a seat, take a stand at www.wnba.com/takeastand and join the conversation using #WNBATakesAStand on social media.  For the latest updates on “Take a Seat, Take a Stand,” follow the WNBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (WNBA).

About the WNBA
The WNBA – which features 12 teams and is the most successful women’s professional team sports league in the world – is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity.  The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, tips off its 22^nd season on May 18, 2018.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education.  For more information about the WNBA, visit www.WNBA.com.