WNBA’s first game in Canada draws 15 sponsors

Air Canada, Bell, Canada Goose and Mastercard joins the previously announced brands that will be activating around the game.
By Patti Summerfield
April 10, 2023

The WNBA plays its first game in Canada on May 13, and interest from basketball fans has drawn in 15 brands who will be activating around the game.

The preseason game between the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx on May 13 at Toronto’s Scotiabank arena is sold out. It will air live in Canada on Sportsnet and TSN, and in the U.S. on
WNBA League Pass.

Tangerine has announced more details of its presenting sponsorship, which will include a new TV commercial that demonstrates the impact this game will have on generations of female athletes. In addition, the WNBA and Tangerine will build a 3D installation of the WNBA logo that will be displayed in Toronto prior to the game as a visual representation of the growth of the sport.

Tangerine will also be hosting a community clinic for a group of 40 young female athletes and provide fans across Canada with a chance to win courtside seats to the sold-out game.

Other sponsors include Air Canada, which has launched another edition of its “#ACFanFlight” contest. Communities across Canada will be invited to nominate a girls basketball team to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to attend the game. The winning team, to be determined by the WNBA and Air Canada, will participate in a private basketball clinic on May 13.

As part of its “Bell for Better” diversity and inclusion platform, Bell will host a basketball clinic for 10- to 12-year-old girls in Toronto. Fans will be able to check out an activation from May 6 to 7 featuring interactive games and the opportunity to win instant prizes.

Canadian Tire was also previously announced as a sponsor, while Hennessy, the official spirit of the WNBA, will be extending its league partnership to Canada for the game. Joining them will be Canada Goose, official delivery platform DoorDash, Mastercard, Metrolinx, Michelob Ultra, Nike, OLG, Re/Max, Sun Life and YouTube.

In addition to advertising support, contests and initiatives to support girls’ basketball, WNBA sponsor involvement includes player apparel from Canada Goose. Mastercard is the presenting partner of WBNA Goods, a new retail platform featuring limited edition merchandise developed by 10 women-led or owned Canadian small businesses.