Women's Hoops Blog
Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her third year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"
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Storm next to be branded?
Posted by Jayda Evans
OK, so Howard Schultz isn't going to be jumping on board to put his coffee logo on the Storm's uniforms (nor would most fans approve or help any efforts to convert Sonics fans). But with the Microsoft and government connections the Storm's ownership group has, you have to figure there's one sponsor out there willing to spend some cash to stitch their logo on the front of the team's jerseys and on their warm-up suits.
It's the latest trend in the WNBA. Phoenix started and today Los Angeles announced a deal with Farmers Insurance Group of Companies that includes player jersey rights, on-court apparel, in-arena signage, media, and related community activities. In addition, Farmers Insurance will be involved with "Sparks in Motion," a new initiative that helps fight childhood obesity.
So, is Seattle looking for similar deals?
"If we find the right partner for the right amount, we would definitely be open to doing that," co-owner Dawn Trudeau said.
The right amount would most likely be similar to Phoenix's deal, $1 million per year. That covers the players and staff salaries. The right partner is trickier.
Force 10 Hoops, the name of the four women who comprise the owners, are extremely earth and woman friendly. They are so green; they made sure their new office space employed a janitorial agency that uses environmentally safe products.
If Force 10 Hoops is that detailed about toilet paper, you can imagine the vetting they go through with sponsors.
I honor that quality. Deciding to blaze a company's name across your chest is like getting a tattoo. Questionable ethics could quickly kill all the good karma the Storm created in the community.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 8:02 PM
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