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About Boardroom

Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

Recent film and TV projects also under the Boardroom umbrella include the Academy Award-winning Two Distant Strangers (Netflix), the critically acclaimed scripted series SWAGGER (Apple TV+) and Emmy-nominated documentary NYC Point Gods (Showtime).

Boardroom’s sister company, Boardroom Sports Holdings, features investments in emerging sports teams and leagues, including the Major League Pickleball team, the Brooklyn Aces, NWSL champions Gotham FC, and MLS’ Philadelphia Union.

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Deals & Investments September 21, 2021

WNBA Announces DICK’S Sporting Goods as Official Retail Partner

The multi-year deal coincides with the start of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs Thursday.

The WNBA is gearing up for the playoffs with a big brand announcement.

The league namedDICK’S Sporting Goods an official marketing partner as part of a multi-year agreement to commit to women’s sports. As the W’s official sporting goods retail partner, the league and DICK’S Sporting Goods will combine to increase the visibility of WNBA teams and players nationwide while creating initiatives to inspire and connect with female athletes of all ages.

BREAKING: @DICKS Sporting Goods to become the official sporting goods retailer of the @WNBA as part of a multiyear partnership.

The two organizations will develop community-driven programs to inspire young athletes and drive greater interest in the league and its players.
— Boardroom (@boardroom) September 21, 2021

As part of the deal,DICK’S Sporting Goods will become the largest national retailer for WNBA merchandise. That includes the sale of the new Nike jersey for all 12 teams, Wilson WNBA basketballs and t-shirts, and in select locations (including all 12 WNBA markets), the popular logowoman hoodie.

“This partnership is a significant opportunity for the WNBA as we celebrate our landmark 25th season, withDICK’S Sporting Goods playing a substantial role in driving continued interest and engagement surrounding our league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “By having a significant presence of WNBA and team merchandise atDICK’S locations in the country, we will now have even more opportunities to connect our fans with their favorite teams.DICK’S commitment to the WNBA is diverse and inclusive leadership in action.”

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, the W continues to grow in ratings and popularity, with bigger brands joining in to help bolster the league’s momentum.

“The WNBA is a premier example of how sport can define leaders and celebrate the current and next generation of female athletes,” said Lauren Hobart,DICK’S Sporting Goods’ president and CEO. “Today marks an important next step in our journey to support female athletes, and we look forward to collaborating with the W to provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage and connect with women’s basketball, the league, and its players.”

The WNBA postseason begins Thursday with single-elimination quarterfinal matchups as Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky host Arike Ogunbowale and the Dallas Wings, followed by Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty visiting Skylar Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner, Diana Tarausi, and the Phoenix Mercury.