WNBA celebrates league-wide Pride month for second year

The WNBA is celebrating Pride month all around the league for the second year in a row with an integrated marketing, media, grassroots and social responsibility program.

“The WNBA embraces people of every gender and sexual orientation,” said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie in a release. “We are very excited to once again celebrate our diverse fanbase in partnership with our teams, partners and fans during WNBA Pride month.”

Fans can purchase WNBA Pride T-shirts designed by adidas, the league’s official oncourt uniform and apparel provider, which are available on WNBASTORE.com.  Proceeds will benefit GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), a long-time WNBA partner.

The league will also celebrate WNBA Pride with a national television broadcast featuring the New York Liberty and Chicago Sky on Tuesday, June 30 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN2).  The telecast will include in-game Pride related content and the WNBA Pride logo on courtside signage.

• The Phoenix Mercury celebrated Pride night on June 19 by wearing its purple road uniforms at home.  The color purple is a national symbol of support for LBGT youth and anti-bullying measures.
• The Tulsa Shock took part in Tulsa’s local Pride parade on June 6 alongside an annual Pride Picnic sponsored by the Shock on June 7.  As part of the festivities, Shock players participated in a meet and greet with fans.  Additionally, the Shock hosted its own Pride night on June 9, which featured Shock assistant coach Bridget Pettis leading a postgame conversation with LGBT fans.
• The New York Liberty is celebrating Pride month with a contest sponsored by Resorts World Casino NYC.  From June 19-30, the Liberty is inviting all fans on social media to share what Pride and the Liberty mean to them.  Fans are asked to submit a photo and caption with the hashtag #RWCNYLPrideContest for a chance to win a 14-day cruise. Resorts World Casino NYC was the presenting sponsor of Pride Night, held Friday, June 19, against the Indiana Fever, as well as all New York Liberty Pride month community appearances throughout New York City.
• On June 30, the Connecticut Sun will host its Pride night featuring national anthem and halftime performances from Kalliope Jones, a teenage post-rock girl group.  Additionally, the first 4,000 fans will receive a rainbow bracelet to celebrate inclusion and equality.