CINCINNATI, March 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- State Farm has signed a new
multiyear agreement to serve as title sponsor of the State Farm
WNBA Friday Night Spotlight on ION. It was also title sponsor for
the 2023 WNBA season, the first for which Scripps Sports televised
weekly regular-season games on Friday nights on ION, a national
entertainment network that reaches every U.S. TV household over the
air and on all major pay and connected TV services.
In addition, State Farm has invested in the National Women's
Soccer League Saturday Night Soccer on ION with primary brand
positioning and in-game sponsorship. Saturday Night Soccer began
March 16.
"State Farm is a champion for women's sports, and this
sponsorship is one way we're committed to bringing more awareness
and visibility," said Kristyn Cook, Chief Agency, Sales &
Marketing Officer, State Farm. "We believe that few things in
today's world capture our attention, ignite our passion and connect
our communities like sports."
Last season, 23 national WNBA games on ION over 15 weeks
reached 12.3 million viewers and increased the WNBA's audience by
24% -- from 31.5 million for all other networks combined to 39
million, according to Nielsen. The WNBA on ION, weekly
doubleheaders, also added more than 6.4 million female viewers,
according to Nielsen.
State Farm has had an 11-year relationship with the WNBA,
going back to 2013, when it became presenting sponsor of the
WNBA Draft. University of Iowa women's
basketball star Caitlin Clark was
the first collegiate and female athlete State Farm signed to its
Team State Farm athlete roster; she has declared for the WNBA
Draft, which takes place April 15 in
Brooklyn.
"State Farm is a fantastic sponsor and a brand that shares our
belief that women's sports and female athletes deserve the same
high-profile recognition and opportunities as their male
counterparts," said Tony Lamerato,
vice president of revenue and sponsorships for Scripps Sports.
"State Farm doesn't just talk about it. It shows its commitment
with actions."
Scripps Sports, a division of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ:
SSP), is the first broadcast network ever to offer regularly
scheduled weekly appointment programming for the WNBA and NWSL and
the first to offer weekly studio shows for those leagues.
Media contact: Scripps – Michael
Perry (513) 259-4718, michael.perry@scripps.com
State Farm – Rachael Risinger,
rachael.risinger.tqil@statefarm.com
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ:
SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a
better-informed world. As one of the nation's largest local TV
broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective
local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations
in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with
national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular
entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and
Laff. Scripps is the nation's largest holder of broadcast spectrum.
Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling
Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps' long-time motto is: "Give light and
the people will find their own way."
About State Farm®
For over 100 years, the mission of
State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday
life, recover from the unexpected and realize their
dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest
providers of auto and home insurance in the
United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000
employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts –
including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies
and financial services accounts. Commercial auto
insurance, along with coverage for renters, business
owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the
State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the
2023 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information,
please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
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SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company