In recent years, women’s hockey has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity and support, on and off the ice. This is largely due to a surge of corporate sponsors who realize the opportunity and worth of putting money into women’s sports. In the U.S., there are a number of companies that have come alongside women’s hockey and supported its growth and visibility.
Discover
Through its partnership with USA Hockey, Discover has emerged as one of the most prominent supporters of women’s hockey in the U.S. Discover is an official sponsor of the U.S. Women’s National Team and the official credit card sponsor. This partnership includes presenting sponsorships for the Rivalry Series games against Canada and USA Hockey’s Try Hockey for Free Days.
Bread Financial
Bread Financial® is an inaugural partner and helmet sponsor for the PWHL New York team. Along with an investment in the league, this partnership includes in-arena promotions and digital integrations, which support the league financially. The partnership between Bread Financial and the PWHL New York team highlights its dedication to driving women’s sports forward and creating opportunities for them.
University of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Team
UScellular entered into a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) campaign with the University of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Team. This campaign prominently highlights Chayla Edwards along with other athletes from various sports. The initiative emphasizes the importance of real connections and encourages fans to focus on meaningful interactions over constant digital engagement.
Ohio State University Women’s Hockey Team
Valvoline Inc. works with Ohio State Athletics, and its sports marketing team manages sponsorships for dozens of sports, including women’s hockey. The partnership specifics are not emphasized on Valvoline’s website. Still, it is clear that the company’s involvement with the Ohio State University Women’s Hockey Team is a testament to their dedication to female athletes. Ohio State Sports Properties manages all deals, enabling teams to have the best support to thrive in their sports.
Other Supporters
Besides these partnerships, other companies have also come forward to support women’s hockey. For example, the NWHL (now part of the PHF) nabbed sponsors like OOFOS, Hyperice, and Harpoon. These partnerships indicate a larger trend toward investment in women’s sports, acknowledging untapped potential.
OOFOS, which is known for its recovery footwear, sponsors the league with products that help players recover from hard-fought matches and practices.
Hyperice, a leading recovery technology company, provides its products to players to help them stay in optimal shape. Also, Harpoon, a craft brewery, has helped support the league through event sponsorship and promotions, adding to the fan experience.
Impact of Sponsorship
These sponsorships go beyond financial support. They are also elevating women’s hockey, exposing it to new sports fans, and offering players chances to grow their careers. Media and broadcast partners are also part of sponsorship agreements, expanding the reach of the women’s hockey. The PWHL announcing the Women’s Sports Network (WSN) will be its first U.S. national broadcasting partner is a clear example of the PWHL increasing its reach.
Final Words
Support for women’s hockey in the United States is part of a broader trend across the world. Women sports are gaining more attention from corporations everyday. For example, the Gibraltar-based online lottery provider Lottoland has sponsored the Europa FC Ladies Hockey squad. This sponsorship not only helps fund the team, but also shows the potential of women’s hockey at the global level as well. With increasing global support for women’s hockey teams from companies like Discover, Bread Financial, and Lottoland, the sport will thrive in the coming years.
Main photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The post 5 Big Companies Supporting Women’s Hockey appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.