The WNBA and NBA are the latest sports leagues to start producing masks
The WNBA and NBA announced on Friday that their respective online stores, operated by Fanatics, will now sell protective face masks following the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation that everyone wear cloth face coverings in public to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. Additionally, all league proceeds from the sales will benefit Feeding America in the U.S. and Second Harvest in Canada.
While the use of face masks is useful in slowing the spread of the virus when leaving your home to complete essential tasks, it is also important to follow all of the CDC’s guidelines such as avoiding social gatherings, washing your hands and refraining from touching your face.
NBA, WNBA launch face coverings to benefit hunger relief. Professional basketball remains on hold during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but fans can now support their favorite teams, in style, while staying safe at the same time. See details: https://t.co/42MWKjZEJI pic.twitter.com/xzTRye2BpX
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) April 17, 2020
The protective face cloth coverings will be available on NBAStore.com and WNBAStore.com at $14.99 each and in packs of three for $24.99. The masks feature league logos as well as designs for all 12 WNBA teams and 30 NBA teams.
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The move comes as many sports apparel companies across the U.S. have also shifted some of their production to. Last month, Fanatics and Major League Baseball announced that their uniform materials would be used to make face masks and delivered to hospitals in Pennsylvania.
Health professionals all over the world have reported significant shortages of protective personal equipment, forcing them to reuse masks meant for single-use and leaving them more vulnerable to contracting the virus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had negative consequences for food pantries across the country — many have simply run out of food and the ones that do face massive demand. In addition to sending the proceeds from the sales of their masks, select NBA and WNBA teams across the league will also donate 100% of proceeds from team e-commerce sites to Feeding America and Second Harvest, two organizations that aid affiliated food banks in their respective cities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended food bank operations causing shifts in distribution models and volunteer opportunities,” said Katie Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Feeding America. “We are grateful to the NBA, WNBA and Fanatics for this partnership that will support food banks with funds but also with much needed face coverings to keep their staff, volunteers and neighbors in need safe.”
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