In a significant move for both the WNBA and women’s sports, JPMorgan Chase has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal to become the first jersey patch sponsor of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest expansion team.
One of the largest jersey patch sponsorships in the WNBA
The Valkyries, owned by the same group that owns the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, are set to begin play in 2025 in San Francisco. The deal with Chase, which is valued as one of the largest jersey patch sponsorships in the WNBA, marks another milestone for the league’s continued growth.
“We are building the Valkyries with the intention of creating legacy on and off the court,” Jess Smith, the Valkyries president, said in a statement. “JPMorgan Chase has had alignment with us every step of the way in building a powerful, state-of-the-art franchise that inspires fandom, drives impact, and will compete for championships.”
Long-standing relationship
As part of the agreement, the Chase Freedom logo will be prominently displayed on the Valkyries’ jerseys. The financial services company has a long-standing relationship with the Warriors and their home arena, the Chase Center, making the partnership a natural fit. Chase signed a 20-year deal for the naming rights to the team’s arena in 2016, worth at least a reported $300 million, then the largest naming rights deal in the NBA.
Both the Valkyries and Chase declined to disclose the specific terms of the deal, but it is expected to be a significant financial investment for the team. The partnership not only provides valuable exposure for Chase but also helps to elevate the profile of the Valkyries and the WNBA as a whole.
Unprecedented growth for the WNBA
The deal comes at a time of unprecedented growth for the WNBA, which has seen a surge in viewership, attendance, and partnership revenue in recent years. In May, Sportico valued the average WNBA franchise at $96 million, with individual team values ranging from $55 million (Atlanta) to $140 million (Last Vegas).
The Valkyries, who have already garnered significant interest and support from fans, are poised to make a major impact on the league.
