group picture at the middle of a basketball court
07.24.2024

Under Armour Basketball Celebrates Female Representation at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix

 

Everyone knows the phrase, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” and this year at the WNBA All-Star, Under Armour made sure a group of local middle school girls got to see their potential, providing a special experience focused on female empowerment and representation alongside some of Under Armour’s most notable WNBA athletes. 

 

On Friday, July 19, Under Armour hosted 20 girls at the WNBA Live activation space from the Score Hoops 3-on-3, a local non-profit organization and recipient of Good Sports equipment and gear donations through a preexisting Curry Brand partnership. The experience started with an unboxing moment when each of the girls received special female-focused Under Armour gear, including new basketball sneakers, shirts that read “See Me”, bracelets from the Little Words Project and products from Glossier.  Under Armour WNBA athlete Marina Mabrey surprised the group and helped the girls get court ready with their new gear and accessories.  

a box with sneakers and other gear
girls in a room opening up boxes of new stuff
Marina Mabrey posing with one of the girls

Under Armour athlete Kelsey Plum and 2024 Dawg Class alumna Saniya Rivers joined the girls on court along with Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts and several Mercury assistants who helped put the girls through different drills for skill development. Following the clinic, the girls moved over to the Dick’s Sporting Goods activation space where Kelsey and Saniya participated in a brief panel discussion, talking about the importance of growing the game and female representation in sports. They also took the time to answer questions from many of the girls.

Q: How can women’s basketball  keep growing?

“Continued visibility. We’re getting more primetime games on ESPN at great times, but continued visibility and also investment from companies are important... We have seen that the biggest investment has turned into the biggest growth, so just encouraging people to invest, tune in to watch your favorite players, and watch the teams that you love." 

-Kelsey Plum
Q: How did the experience of working with Kelsey at Dawg Class impact you?

“Kelsey did a lot for me and I love her for that. I went into Dawg Class openminded. I didn’t know if I wanted to play professionally a few months ago but after that experience, I now know I want to be here. Being at WNBA All-Star, this is where I want to be next year. Kelsey inspires me and I’m just trying to be a part of what she is paving right now.”  

-Saniya Rivers
three women on stage holding mircophones addressing a crowd

The experience capped off with a visit to the Google Pixel space, where the girls perfected their favorite poses, and  the group received tickets to see the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge live.

"The UA WNBA all-star event was a truly unforgettable experience for our middle school girl ballers. The skills clinic with the coaches from the Phoenix Mercury and Kelsey Plum was a highlight, providing invaluable training and inspiration. The Under Armour swag added an extra layer of excitement, making the day even more special. The energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie among the players showcased the spirit of Score Hoops 3on3 Basketball. We're proud to create opportunities where young athletes can develop and thrive both on and off the court."

- Dee Grant, co-founder, ScoreHoops 3-on-3

Under Armour Basketball will continue to show up for its athletes and support them as they break down barriers for the next generation of female hoopers.