At Bumble, we’re committed to bridging the gender equality gap in sports. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our multi-year partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Even in 2024, the spotlight on women in sports is nowhere near as bright as it should be. Our 2023 survey revealed that 68 percent of U.S.* adults think women athletes receive less recognition than men, and 67 percent also acknowledged the significant obstacles to achieving gender equality in sports.
Teaming up with the WNBA is another step in leveling the playing field for women athletes. Raising the bar benefits more than just the players on the court; when sports improve for women, it’s a win for everyone, from the fans cheering in the stands to the next generation of athletes.
Bumble and WNBA unite
Championing women in sports has been an ongoing effort for us. In 2023, we launched the 50for50 campaign, partnering with 50 college athletes to celebrate 50 years of Title IX, which prohibits any discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs, or activities that receive federal funds. In the past, we’ve also sponsored star athletes like Cameron Brink, a four-time All-American, and Jada Williams, a two-time U.S. Junior National gold medalist, to ensure women athletes receive their rightful share of the limelight. Back in 2019, we started the first all-women Esports team, breaking new ground in a traditionally male-dominated field, and, in 2018, we launched Bumble’s Empowerment Badge, as a symbol of our shared commitment to equal opportunity in sports.
Over the years, Bumble and the WNBA have both challenged the status quo in sports. In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), set a new standard to improve pay, player experience, and career opportunities for women athletes.
“Partnering with one of the most renowned organizations in women’s sports, the WNBA, is extremely exciting for us and it exemplifies everything Bumble stands for: empowering and spotlighting women’s stories, helping people make connections over shared values and interests, and creating fun and safe experiences to bring our community together offline,” said Lidiane Jones, CEO at Bumble. “We know being a sports fan is an important part of who people are and we look forward to celebrating that through this partnership.”
The collaboration will also include Bumble in-app content from WNBA athletes, exciting activations at fan events like WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank, WNBA-themed Bumble meetups, and exclusive experiences for Bumble members, including date nights at some of the WNBA’s biggest games and moments. Cameron Brink, WNBA athlete and Bumble Ambassador, has shared her excitement about the partnership and what it means for women in sports:
“To collaborate alongside a company who centers around women was super important to me. From starting my time with Bumble as a college athlete to growing with them in the WNBA makes our relationship that much more special. The first moves Bumble has made in sports over the years are so inspiring and I can’t wait to see the impact their partnership with the WNBA will have on fans everywhere.”
Teaming up with the WNBA is more than a representation of our mutual commitment to gender equality. Whether you’re a fan of the same team, or searching for someone to match your energy in the spectator seats, sports unites us—and we’re celebrating those connections through this partnership. Stay tuned to see what other exciting plays we have in store.
*This research was commissioned by Bumble and conducted online by Censuswide from July 25 to 31, 2023. Surveys were completed in the U.S. with a sample of 1,500 consumers age 18 and older.
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