It’s no surprise that women are under represented in professional sports and, more importantly, signed to fewer sponsorship deals than male athletes. Now, Nike has signed Breanna Stewart of UConn, the first player ever, male or female, to win four consecutive national titles while earning four tournament Most Outstanding Player awards. Here’s the presser:
NIKE, Inc. is proud to announce the signing of Breanna Stewart to a multi-year endorsement deal, adding to what has already been a historic year for the Syracuse, New York native. Stewart was the number one pick in this month’s WNBA draft, just over a week after becoming the most decorated player in women’s college basketball history. She is also the first player ever, male or female, to win four consecutive national titles while earning four tournament Most Outstanding Player awards.
Throughout it all, Stewart has shown dedication and humility. “My parents are my role models. They taught me the value of hard work,” she says. “The moment that rebounding for my dad at the YMCA as a kid turned into him rebounding for me was special for us both — it showed me that loyalty and support go a long way.”
The Nike family of athletes is eager for Stewart to join them, and many have compared her versatility and style of play to that of Kevin Durant. She’s proven herself a leader with a strong work ethic and a pure love of the game, who will be an invaluable addition to the team.
Stewart’s partnership with Nike will also continue to build basketball’s global footprint. “Being strong and bold while carrying yourself with humility and confidence is something I hope to share with young kids,” asserts Stewart, understanding that as a professional athlete, she has an opportunity to positively influence young players around the world.
The next chapter in Stewart’s journey takes her to the Pacific Northwest, where she will join the Seattle Storm. The team begins its regular season on May 15 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
In addition to Stewart, today Nike Basketball announces the signings of Rachel Banham, Aerial Powers, Jonquel Jones and Tiffany Mitchell.
Rachel Banham was selected fourth overall by the Connecticut Sun. Banham was the Big Ten Player of the Year for the University of Minnesota.
Aerial Powers was selected fifth overall by the Dallas Wings. Powers averaged nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds during her three-year career at Michigan State University and is the sixth MSU player to be selected to the WNBA.
Jonquel Jones was selected sixth by the Los Angeles Sparks and immediately traded. She will join fellow rookie Rachel Banham on the Connecticut Sun. Hailing from George Washington University, Jones finished her collegiate career ranking third at George Washington in rebounds, fourth in scoring and fifth in blocked shots.
Tiffany Mitchell was drafted ninth to the Indiana Fever. The three-time All-American holds the University of South Carolina record for most career starts and is fifth in points.
Source: Nike
