NEW YORK, April 4, 2024 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the acclaimed winery La Crema today announced multiyear partnerships naming La Crema the Official Wine Partner of the WNBA and USA Basketball Women’s National Team. The multiyear agreement marks the WNBA’s first-ever official winery partnership.
“We are thrilled to partner with La Crema as we bring another dynamic brand into the WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Together, we support and celebrate the shared values of inclusivity, equity and advocacy, while creating memorable experiences for fans around the world. As a league, we pride ourselves on working with partners that stand for the same principles that we do, and we look forward to continuing to create positive change for women’s sports.”
Recognized as a leader in the industry, La Crema — part of the global portfolio of wineries owned by Jackson Family Wines — has cultivated the luxury wine experience, producing sustainably at scale from the world’s best growing regions. The partnership goes beyond the traditional bounds, encapsulating a shared dedication fostering inclusivity and celebrating the achievements of women.
“The collaboration between La Crema and the WNBA matches our shared dedication to diversity and equality,” said La Crema Co-Proprietor Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray. “This partnership unites La Crema’s heritage of quality and craftsmanship with the WNBA’s embodiment of athleticism and teamwork, offering players and fans a new way to engage with the game. Coming from a family of strong women, who pushed boundaries, we are proud to align with a league that not only elevates women athletes but also captivates an expanding audience, marking a significant advancement in empowering and celebrating women’s achievements across all fields.”
La Crema and the WNBA will team up to elevate the fan experience, offering enthusiasts a taste of sophistication that aligns with the excitement of the game. La Crema will showcase integrations at 2024 AT&T WNBA All Star Weekend and offer exclusive WNBA Experiences that will provide fans unique opportunities at marquee events.
Fans can stay tuned throughout the WNBA season for exclusive events and unique experiences that celebrate this emerging intersection of sports and fine wine. Discover more information at www.lacrema.com/WNBA and follow La Crema on social platforms @LaCremaWines.
About the WNBA
The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 12 teams and entering its 28th season in 2024, the W combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content, and community and youth outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it. A groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has charted a new course for women’s professional basketball while increasing player compensation, improving the player experience and expanding career development opportunities. Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s partnership platform, the WNBA Changemakers Collective, which comprises AT&T, Deloitte, Nike, Google, U.S. Bank and CarMax. Another platform, the WNBA Justice Movement, is a collaboration between the league and the WNBPA to combat racial and gender inequality, promote LBGTQ+ rights and champion reform where injustice persists.
About La Crema
Our original name, La Crema Viñera, means “best of the vine,” setting an indelible standard for the family owned and operated winery since our inception in 1979. La Crema is part of the global portfolio of wineries owned by Jackson Family Wines, spanning across California, Oregon, Canada, Italy, France, South Africa, Chile, and Australia. La Crema wines are produced from the world’s preeminent growing regions, resulting in an uncompromised level of quality that is always promised and always delivered. We set the standard for quality-driven winemaking at scale, and cutting-edge practices for sustainable resource conservancy and protection. Across our past, present and looking to the future, La Crema represents life, enriched. We have a shared belief in elevating the lives of those around us, leading with openness, allyship, and a high regard for involvement and investment in organizations that our communities value. We are committed to amplifying the spirit of progress, celebrating individuality, and creating a world that gathers to celebrate the Best of Us.
