AP NewsBreak: WNBA to market to LGBT community

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By DOUG FEINBERG

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA is launching a campaign to market specifically to the LGBT community, a move that makes it the first pro league to specifically recruit gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered fans to its games.

With the campaign, the WNBA is capitalizing on what it has quietly known for years: The community makes up a significant portion of its fan base. The difference now is that the league is talking about it publicly and making it a deliberate part of its marketing strategy.

The effort, which begins with the launch of a website Wednesday, includes having teams participate in local pride festivals and parades, working with advocacy groups to raise awareness of inclusion through grassroots events, and advertising with lesbian media. A nationally televised Pride game will take place between Tulsa and Chicago on Sunday, June 22. All 12 teams will also have some sort of pride initiative over the course of the season.

"For us it's a celebration of diversity and inclusion and recognition of an audience that has been with us very passionately," WNBA President Laurel Richie said. "This is one of those moments in the 'W' where everybody comes together."

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140521/bkl-wnba-pride-506e1f9155.html

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FILE - In this April 20, 2013 file photo, Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, the No. 1 overall pick the WNBA draft, speaks during a news conference in Phoenix. The WNBA is launching a campaign to market specifically to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. It{2019}s the first league to design such a campaign. Griner, who is one of a handful of WNBA athletes who have publicly identified themselves as lesbian, was happy the league was embracing the community. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

[santroy79]

1. They are just trying to get

anyone they can to actually pay attention to the league.

I dont say that as being mean because I watch the WNBA

[libdem4life]

2. Woo Hoo!! I love that it's the women breaking the barrier, not so much as "Oh, well, if we must

have "them", then I guess it's OK" that we get grudgingly from the other sports. Now, the women are more than out as a unified group...they are purposefully embracing LGBT fans and players.

If that happens to bring them more into the mainstream of professional sports, then you go, ladies...make it happen. Not to worry...the guys will follow, thanks to Michael Sam, Jason Collins (after he retired) and the few others.

[KamaAina]

8. Jason Collins has not retired

he finished this season with the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, after he signed with the Nets, he had the top-selling jersey in the NBA.

[warrior1]

3. In Sacramento

we had a great winning team the Monarch's. We had huge lesbian community along with families supporting them. It was always a fun night when they were in town. They won a few titles which was great for our area. Then the owners shut down the team. They also own the Kings, which have never won a title while they've been here. So there's that.

[Ecumenist]

4. Remember, the Maloofs are no longer the owners and haven't been for a little over a year...THANK GOD

I'm also here in Sacramento, NATOMAS and I remember the shock as And disgust when the Monarchs were disbanded....the maloofs are HATED here in Sacramento and the surroundings.

[TheMightyFavog]

5. This thread reminds me of when I visited Seattle a few years back...

My girlfriend at the time took me down to Seattle Center to see the sights. We stopped at a place and had bubble tea and teriyaki chicken. She had grabbed a Seattle Storm schedule and pointed out the following ad on the back:



She said the following (Keep in mind, she is bisexual and was raised by two Mommies)

"Boy, the Seattle Storm sure know their target audience."

[KamaAina]

6. Free toaster ovens to the first 1,000 fans!

[KamaAina]

7. Not exactly LBN.

The New York Liberty has had a "Lesbians For Liberty" fan club since the very beginning.