New Year, New Look for the WNBA

The WNBA has a new logo, a new slogan, and a new partnership with AT&T.

The WNBA is revamping its look in 2019. Less than a day after the women’s college basketball season officially came to a close, the league released a new logo, a new partnership, and a new slogan, “Make Way.”

According to a statement released by the WNBA, the moves are part of the league’s efforts to make their presence known both on and off the court.

“The WNBA is showing the world what basketball is on our terms,” the statement said. “With a new look, new voice, and a whole new approach to storytelling, we’re elevating not just the game but also the social and pop culture movements around it.

“We’re making space for our game, our players and our fans to shine and show the world who we really are – badass ballers and dynamic women who challenge convention and shape culture.”

There’s also a new promotional video to go with the new slogan that, as the WNBA tweeted, displays the “new vibe” of the league. It features Atlanta’s Imani McGee-Stafford and Renee Montgomery, Chicago’s Stefanie Dolson, Phoenix’s Essence Carson, and Washington’s Natasha Cloud.

“The WNBA is reasserting itself as a bold, progressive league that stands for the power of women,” WNBA COO Christy Hedgpeth added. “This new voice will amplify our mission of empowerment and inspiration and will magnify what makes our league exceptional – the strength, diversity and multi-dimensionality of the women of the W.”

While the new logo has already been debuted on social media and the WNBA’s website, the logo won’t be on basketballs, uniforms, or courts until 2020. As Hedgpeth told ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel, the league wanted to release the logo now as part of its efforts to grow – and provide more merchandise for hungry fans.

“You can’t be culturally relevant without having cool stuff to wear,” Hedgpeth said. “So we’re excited to build on our merchandise and work with our partners to reflect the brand in a lot of cool and exciting ways.”

The league also announced a new multi-year partnership with AT&T on Monday. The AT&T logo will be featured on the front of all 12 teams’ jerseys this season, making AT&T the first non-apparel company partner with this promotional feature. The company will also be the prime sponsor of WNBA All-Star 2019 and will be featured throughout the WNBA’s properties and broadcasts.

In addition, AT&T and the WNBA will team up to create programming about women in sports, a collaboration administrators with both companies say is “ideal.”

“The WNBA is deeply committed to empowering and inspiring women,” Kerry Tatlock, WNBA Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships said. “AT&T’s groundbreaking commitment to our game, which is anchored on our shared values of diversity and inclusion, make it the perfect partner for the WNBA at this exciting time.”

“Together, we can create ways for basketball fans and for AT&T customers to engage in the causes and communities important to the WNBA and to AT&T,” Fiona Carter, chief brand officer at AT&T Communications added. “Whether it’s women in sports, supporting small businesses like those owned by WNBA players, being a leading voice in LGBTQ rights, or giving back to communities in which we operate, we have much in common and many opportunities to empower these incredible athletes and their fans.”

The new jerseys with the AT&T logos will be debuted during the WNBA Draft on Wednesday, April 10. The first round can be seen starting at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with the second and third rounds airing at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

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