Much of Lilly Pulitzer’s previous sports sponsorship activity had centered around golfWTA
Lilly Pulitzer and the WTA today are announcing a partnership that will see the fashion brand become the WTA’s exclusive fashion uniform provider throughout this season. Beginning this month, chair umpire officials, sports science/medicine teams and WTA corporate courtside team members will wear exclusive Lilly Pulitzer outfits. The Pennsylvania-based company joins the WTA’s official suppliers roster alongside Cambridge Global Payments and Tennis Warehouse. Much of Lilly Pulitzer’s previous sports sponsorship activity has centered on golf, including its current sponsorship of the PGA Tour Honda Classic and previous backing of golfer Morgan Pressel. The deal between two women-centric organizations includes a considerable philanthropic focus. Lilly Pulitzer’s “Be the Sunshine” campaign is aimed at inspiring confidence and optimism in future generations, and its launch will include a $50,000 donation to WTA Charities, the league's philanthropic arm. On March 8, Int'l Women’s Day, Lilly Pulitzer will donate 20% of its Prosecco Pink Fronds Place tennis collection sales to WTA Charities. Lilly Pulitzer CEO Michelle Kelly said the brand and WTA are "joining forces to encourage future generations to be the sunshine in their communities, both on and off the court."
SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS: Lilly Pulitzer brand ambassador and WTA legend Tracy Austin will headline the Sunshine campaign this spring, including a March 8 in-store event at Lilly Pulitzer’s pop-up shop in Palm Desert, Calif., around the start of the BNP Paribas Open. WTA President Micky Lawler and Kelly will participate in a Facebook Live panel focused on female leadership and inspiring positivity through female sports. “Lilly’s mission to spread joy resonates with the WTA, from our corporate teams to fans,” Lawler said. “Through Lilly Pulitzer’s support of WTA Charities, our charitable programs such as Come Play, Serving Outside the Lines and our Community Fund will have an even deeper impact on the local communities we serve.”
