Activations to look for
Newest Changemaker CarMax is hosting a fireside chat with Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Ari Chambers, and AT&T will host a Her Time to Play event, focusing on continuing the WNBA’s commitment to female empowerment, with a youth basketball clinic for nearly 200 young women and off-court panel sessions on mental wellness and goal setting.
AT&T will also create a tech-focused Style Studio, an augmented reality experience where fans can try on fashions inspired by A’ja Wilson and Arike Ogunbowale. The space also features a robotic nail bar with a W-themed design.
On Saturday, fans can see Deloitte, designers of the new WNBA app and website, hosting a player meet-and-greet with Jasmine Thomas and Izzy Harrison.
Meanwhile, Google, which just extended its Changemaker sponsorship of the league through 2025, is opening Google House, where fans can use Pixel phones and search to engage with WNBA-themed activations.
Nike will have an interactive experience with customized footwear and apparel, plus live WNBA player programming, and Starry will have its own court featuring a variety of games, as well as a style lounge where fans can check out A’ja Wilson’s gameday looks. Kia will also have a skills challenge at WNBA Live.
Elsewhere, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Wilson will also be on-site, with the sporting goods retailer hosting meet-and-greets and Wilson with a retail pop-up outlet and player appearances throughout the weekend.
American Express’s experience includes an interactive half-court challenge and a locker room-themed lounge with talent experiences including Sabrina Ionescu. According to Edison, this is the first time Amex will have a big footprint at WNBA All-Star weekend.
For the first time, the WNBA is doing a b-to-b activation, partnering with Jenny Nguyen, founder of Portland-based bar The Sports Bra, to create an exclusive meeting and hospitality space for corporate partners and invited guests. The event will also offer an interactive display that showcases WNBA fan data and a partnership with Business Inside the Game, a platform for entrepreneurs, investors and disruptors in sports, media, technology, business and culture to create opportunities, connect and collaborate.
