The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and acclaimed Sonoma-based winery La Crema have joined forces as the league’s first-ever winery partnership. The history making affiliation entails a multiyear deal between La Crema and the WNBA, as well as USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
The collaboration isn't just about wine, it's about a shared commitment to the achievements of women both on and off the court. La Crema's passion and dedication to quality and craftsmanship mirrors the athleticism and teamwork of the WNBA, culminating in a powerful synergy that amplifies the spirit in both realms.
“We are thrilled to partner with La Crema as we bring another dynamic brand into the WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Together, we support and celebrate the shared values of inclusivity, equity and advocacy, while creating memorable experiences for fans around the world. As a league, we pride ourselves on working with partners that stand for the same principles that we do, and we look forward to continuing to create positive change for women’s sports.”
La Crema—part of the global portfolio of wineries owned by Jackson Family Wines, spanning across California, Oregon, Canada, Italy, France, South Africa, Chile, and Australia—provides new and existing fans a unique and authentic way to engage with one of the most dynamic sports leagues today. The WNBA, which features 12 teams entering a 28th season in 2024, is experiencing the fastest growth in viewership of any major sports league, up 13 points from last season.
· According to Nielsen, there has been a 29% spike in airing women’s sports events from 2018 to 2022.
· Last year's WNBA regular season games grabbed an average of 505k viewers across ESPN networks and CBS—a big leap from the year before and marked the highest-viewed regular season in recent years for the league.
· And, the 2023 WNBA finals saw an average of 728k viewers on ESPN, a whopping 36% jump compared to the 2022 finals.
“The collaboration between La Crema and the WNBA matches our shared dedication to diversity and equality,” said La Crema Co-Proprietor Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray. “This partnership unites La Crema’s heritage of quality and craftsmanship with the WNBA’s embodiment of athleticism and teamwork, offering players and fans a new way to engage with the game. Coming from a family of strong women, who pushed boundaries, we are proud to align with a league that not only elevates women athletes but also captivates an expanding audience, marking a significant advancement in empowering and celebrating women’s achievements across all fields.”
The 2024 WNBA Regular Season kicks off on May 15 (season schedule here); grab a glass of La Crema, and enjoy.
