WNBA Loses One Of Biggest Sponsors As Discover Opts Not To Renew
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Discover's Departure From WNBA Not
Surprising Considering Economy |
Discover Financial Services has "opted not to renew" with the WNBA after its three-year deal expired this spring, costing the league "one of its biggest sponsors," according to John Lombardo of SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL. Discover's departure "comes as little surprise given the economic pressures on the financial services industry, but it leaves the WNBA without one of its most active partners." Discover in '06 "broke new ground in the WNBA by having its corporate logo adorn WNBA courts during nationally televised broadcasts." WNBA President Donna Orender said that she "expects to announce multiple renewals and some new partners in the coming weeks." Orender: "We are holding our own and hope to have one or two new deals. The partners we have will activate even more heavily than in the past." Lombardo notes HP, which is a full NBA partner, is "new to the WNBA's partnership roster," as is Starwood Hotels. A source said that "among the renewals signed this year are Nike and 1-800-Flowers" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 5/18 issue).
DRIBBLE-DRIVE: In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin noted Orender "stubbornly [stuck] to her stump speech" during a recent visit with WNBA Monarchs officials, sponsors and season-ticket holders. Orender acknowledged that the WNBA -- like the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB -- is "being pinched by the economic downturn." But she also noted a "litany of encouraging developments as the league opens its 13th season: a new eight-year deal with ESPN commences, with teams receiving rights fees for the first time; attendance, ratings, merchandise sales, sponsorships and Web traffic increased in 2008; season-ticket sales have risen significantly in at least two markets." Voisin wrote whether "any or all of these trends can be sustained is anyone's guess." Meanwhile, Orender "predicts expansion in 2011, yet also seems resigned to the possibility of additional ownership changes." Orender: "The strength of this league will be having owners who are committed for the long term. Like [Monarchs Owner] the Maloofs. They have been solid from day one" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 5/18).
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