Hey, Rookie: WNBA Draft Campaign Sees Arrival Of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 04:40PM By Barry Janoff
April 4, 2024: Leading to a much-anticipated Draft and 2024 season, the WNBA has debuted a multi-media campaign anchored by three spots featuring 2023 Kia MVP Breanna Stewart and three-time WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale.
The WNBA Draft presented by State Farm April 15 (ESPN) is expected to see Caitlin Clark (Iowa) selected as the overall No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese (LSU), Cameron Brink (Stanford), Rickea Jackson (Tennessee) Kamilla Cardosa (South Carolina) selected in the First Round.
The ads mark the first time the league is working with lead agency Wieden + Kennedy.
Spots will run across broadcast including the NCAA Women’s and Men’s Final Four as well as digital and social media.
Tickets for the Draft, which will have fans in attendance for the first time since 2016, in the Brooklyn (NY) Academy of Music are sold out.
"We are focused on creating elevated events that WNBA fans won't want to miss, at a time when the energy for the WNBA has never been higher," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said recently via the league.
"As the official start to the WNBA season, we knew the WNBA Draft 2024 presented by State Farm should be transformed into a larger, fan-focused event to celebrate the incredible talent set to enter the draft."
The WNBA veterans offer the incoming rookies some friendly wisdom and a little advice on how they can stay fueled and stay focused.
In “Rookie-O’s: Breakfast By The WNBA,” Stewart is seen in her New York Liberty uniform seated at kitchen table.
“Man, I’m hungry,” she says. “Hungry for new competition?” asks a voiceover.
A box of Rookie-O’s appears on the table. “Rookie-O’s, packed with First Round Draft pick flavor.”
“These rookies do look good," says Stewart..
“No Shade” finds Dallas Wings All-Star Ogunbowale advising rookies how to “Stop the trolling and trash talk before it hits you with No Shade.
“Made with SPF 144 unclinically proven to reinforce your skin and provide a moisture barrier so you can have tough skin while you’re in the W. You’re gonna need it, rook."
“See The Future Of The W” features a fortune teller who gazes into her crystal ball as she talks to the incoming players.
“Our crystal ball tells us greatness is in the palms of your hands, but the path isn’t meant to be easy. Just as success is written for you, pockets picked, and shots blocked are, too.
“Logo three’s and perhaps some hardware awaits. It’s time to show what you can do. Your future is now. Good luck, Rook!”
According to Engelbert, “With the continued support of ESPN, State Farm, and associate partner U.S. Bank, we anticipate hosting a truly memorable evening for WNBA teams and fans.
"And, of course, for the immensely talented athletes for whom this night represents the realization of a dream come true and the commencement of the next phase of their basketball journey."
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