The WNBA and renowned Sonoma-based vineyard La Crema have united in a groundbreaking partnership, marking the league’s inaugural collaboration with a winery. This historical union involves a long-term agreement between La Crema and both the WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
This bond isn’t solely about wine; it’s a shared dedication to championing women’s accomplishments both on and off the basketball court. La Crema’s fervor and commitment to excellence and artistry mirror the athleticism and camaraderie of the WNBA, resulting in a dynamic synergy that enhances the essence in both domains.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “It’s a pleasure to unite with La Crema and expand the WNBA family with another vibrant brand. Together, we endorse and commemorate the common values of inclusivity, fairness, and advocacy, while offering unforgettable experiences for enthusiasts globally. As a league, we take pride in collaborating with partners who uphold the same beliefs as we do, and we eagerly anticipate progressing in effecting positive change for women in sports.”
La Crema, a part of the extensive array of wineries under the ownership of Jackson Family Wines that span regions such as California, Oregon, Canada, Italy, France, South Africa, Chile, and Australia, offers both new and existing fans a distinctive and genuine approach to engage with one of the most dynamic sports leagues today. The WNBA, with 12 teams gearing up for its 28th season in 2024, has seen its viewership grow rapidly, surpassing that of any other major sports league by 13 points from the previous season.
The rise in women’s sports viewership has been notable over recent years, with Nielsen reporting a 29% surge in airing women’s sports events from 2018 to 2022.
The average viewership for last season’s WNBA regular season games stood at 505k across ESPN networks and CBS, portraying a substantial leap from the preceding year and marking the highest-viewed regular season the league has seen in recent times.
The 2023 WNBA finals attained an average of 728k viewers on ESPN, signifying a remarkable 36% increase compared to the 2022 finals.
La Crema Co-Proprietor Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray shared, “The collaboration between La Crema and the WNBA resonates with our mutual commitment to diversity and parity. This partnership merges La Crema’s legacy of quality and artisanship with the WNBA’s embodiment of skill and teamwork, offering players and fans a fresh perspective to engage with the sport. Stemming from a lineage of resilient women who pushed boundaries, we take pride in aligning with a league that not only elevates female athletes but also captivates an expanding audience, marking a significant stride in empowering and celebrating women’s accomplishments across all domains.”
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