Some of the WNBA’s biggest superstars are gearing up to take the center stage this week as the 2022 playoffs begin in just over 24 hours. But before they prepare to handle business on the court, business away from the hardwood is already thriving.
On Monday, it was announced that the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, the 2020 WNBA MVP, had signed a sponsorship deal with Ruffles to become the brand’s first-ever female athlete.
And on Tuesday, reports surfaced that the Chicago Sky’s reigning WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper had inked a deal with Gatorade, where she will join teammate Candace Parker as a sponsor.
Ruffles has signed its first-ever female athlete:
Las Vegas Aces superstar @_ajawilson22 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/8m5Qgx8Taf
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 15, 2022
Gatorade has signed 2021 WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper ✍️
She joins a roster that includes Chicago Sky teammate Candace Parker. pic.twitter.com/QS58ytBi2B
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 16, 2022
If you don’t already know the names and faces of Kahleah Copper and A’ja Wilson, you’re a casual (just kidding). Regardless, you’re going to become more familiar with the two even if you don’t necessarily follow the WNBA.
Although, there’s a good chance that you are, seeing how the WNBA’s viewership numbers continue to grow.
#WNBA on ESPN presented by Google scores its most-viewed regular season since '08
• Up 19% through 25 games vs '21 regular season
Sunday's @seattlestorm vs @LVAces:
• 852K average viewers
• Most-viewed @WNBA game across all networks since '08More: https://t.co/IJNkmwofXJ pic.twitter.com/f5Or0IrVXM
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) August 16, 2022
Each sponsorship announcement coming just ahead of the WNBA playoffs is certainly planned and it wouldn’t be surprising if some of the brands’ advertisements ran during commercial breaks of games.
Wilson and Copper will only add to the continued growth of the league.
