In the world of sports, recognition and visibility are key factors in growing a brand and expanding opportunities for athletes. Forty years ago, Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton made history by becoming the first female athlete to grace the front of a Wheaties cereal box, a prestigious honor reserved for the elite in sports. Fast forward to today, and the spotlight has shifted to include more female athletes who are making waves in their respective fields.
One such athlete is Jonquel Jones, the standout 6-foot-6 forward for the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Jones recently led her team to their first championship in 27 years, earning the title of Finals MVP. Her success on the court has caught the attention of State Farm, who featured her in a national advertising campaign alongside the team’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, and legendary player Rebecca Lobo.
For Jones, being featured in the State Farm ad is more than just a marketing opportunity – it’s a chance to showcase the talent and skill of women athletes on a national platform. The increased visibility for WNBA players is not only good for the game but also for women’s sports as a whole. Jones, who hails from Freeport, Bahamas, sees this as an opportunity to break boundaries and show that female athletes can be more than just players on the court.
The rise of female athletes in the advertising world is evident in the collaboration between State Farm and Disney Advertising, highlighting the impact and relevance of women athletes in sports and culture. As the 2024 WNBA season comes to a close, viewership, ticket sales, and sponsor dollars are on the rise, signaling a shift towards greater investment in women’s sports.
For Jones, the newfound attention and financial opportunities in women’s sports mean that she can finally take a break from playing overseas during the off-season. This year, she has enough savings to enjoy a well-deserved winter off, thanks to the increased support and recognition for female athletes in the industry. The future looks bright for women in sports, with more sponsorship deals and growth opportunities on the horizon. As Jones puts it, the visibility and notoriety that comes with being a female athlete in today’s world are testaments to the growing popularity and success of women’s sports. As the WNBA continues to gain momentum and visibility, players like Jonquel Jones, along with her older and younger colleagues, are determined to make sure that the success of 2024 is not just a one-time occurrence, but rather the beginning of a continuous upward trajectory for women’s sports.
Jones expressed her excitement about the current climate, stating that now is the perfect time for people to invest in women’s sports and transform it from a fleeting trend into a sustainable lifestyle choice. She is committed to playing her part in elevating the game and helping to shape the future of women’s basketball and sports in general.
With the support of dedicated athletes like Jones, as well as veterans like Rebecca Lobo and newcomers like Kevin Miles, the WNBA is poised to reach new heights in the coming years. Their collective drive and determination are fueling a movement towards greater recognition and respect for women’s sports.
The vision shared by Jones and her colleagues is one of long-term growth and success. By building on the momentum of recent achievements, they hope to establish a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of female athletes. Through their hard work and dedication, they are laying the foundation for a brighter future for women in sports.
As fans and supporters of women’s sports, we have the opportunity to join in this journey towards progress and equality. By investing our time, resources, and enthusiasm into the WNBA and other women’s leagues, we can help ensure that 2024 is not just a high point, but a stepping stone towards even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
Together, we can make a difference and be part of a movement that is changing the landscape of sports for the better. Let’s rally behind Jones, Lobo, Miles, and all the incredible women athletes who are driving this change, and together, we can make 2024 a landmark year in the history of women’s sports.
