The WNBA and renowned Sonoma vineyard La Crema have come together in a pioneering alliance, marking the league’s first-ever partnership with a winery. This historic collaboration involves a lasting commitment between La Crema and both the WNBA and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team.
This connection goes beyond wine; it represents a joint commitment to championing women’s achievements both on and off the basketball court. La Crema’s passion and dedication to excellence and craftsmanship reflect the athleticism and camaraderie of the WNBA, creating a dynamic synergy that enriches the essence in both arenas.
Expressing her excitement about the partnership, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “We are thrilled to come together with La Crema and introduce another vibrant brand to the WNBA community. Together, we support and celebrate the shared values of inclusivity, fairness, and advocacy, while providing unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide. As a league, we take pride in collaborating with partners who share our core beliefs, and we look forward to advancing positive change for women in sports.”
As part of the diverse range of wineries owned by Jackson Family Wines across various regions like California, Oregon, Canada, Italy, France, South Africa, Chile, and Australia, La Crema offers new and existing fans a unique and authentic way to connect with one of the most dynamic sports leagues today. With 12 teams preparing for its 28th season in 2024, the WNBA has witnessed a rapid growth in viewership, surpassing that of other major sports leagues by 13 percentage points from the previous season.
The increase in viewership for women’s sports has been remarkable in recent years, as Nielsen reported a 29% surge in broadcasting women’s sports events from 2018 to 2022.
The average viewership for the last WNBA regular season games reached 505k across ESPN networks and CBS, showcasing a significant increase from the previous year and marking the highest-rated regular season the league has experienced in recent memory.
The 2023 WNBA finals garnered an average of 728k viewers on ESPN, indicating an impressive 36% rise compared to the 2022 finals.
La Crema Co-Proprietor Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray commented, “The collaboration between La Crema and the WNBA aligns with our shared dedication to diversity and equality. This partnership merges La Crema’s heritage of excellence and craftsmanship with the WNBA’s embodiment of talent and collaboration, providing players and fans with a fresh way to engage with the sport. Rooted in a legacy of strong women who broke barriers, we are proud to associate with a league that not only elevates female athletes but also captivates a growing audience, making significant progress in empowering and celebrating women’s achievements across all sectors.”
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