{"id":440045,"date":"2026-01-29T03:59:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T03:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/440045\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T03:59:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T03:59:07","slug":"new-wnba-franchises-embrace-winning-marketing-tactics-as-they-build-local-hype","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/440045\/","title":{"rendered":"New WNBA franchises embrace winning marketing tactics as they build local hype"},"content":{"rendered":"

The GIST: Though the WNBA\u2019s 2026 season schedule remains up in the air<\/a> due to ongoing CBA negotiations, forthcoming W franchises are rolling ahead with preseason marketing campaigns.<\/p>\n

Two teams \u2014 the Portland Fire and the WNBA Cleveland team hitting the hardwood in 2028 \u2014 have embraced key learnings from across the league to strengthen their franchises and energize fans long before tip-off. This is the way<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Portland: The Fire released uniform designs<\/a> for its debut season, as well as a new \u201cPDX\u201d logo playing on the city\u2019s popular nickname and the franchise\u2019s storied history. The jerseys will also feature patches for banking company Chime, which announced a partnership with the team<\/a> on Tuesday as it pushes into the sports space.<\/p>\n

Cleveland: On Tuesday, the franchise announced its W CLE Assist Program<\/a>, a unique season ticket strategy that taps into previous learnings across women\u2019s sports. Gotham FC embraced the power of fan loyalty<\/a> in its legacy ticketing programming, while W sponsor Ally noticed last year that customers were exceptionally responsive<\/a> to rewards program opportunities.<\/p>\n

Through March 27th, only Cleveland fans who have already registered for season tickets are able to share a referral code with friends. If they make a $28 payment toward season tickets with the referral code, this counts as an \u201cassist,\u201d granting the fan exclusive experiences and prizes.<\/p>\n

Zooming out: Landing a WNBA franchise is more expensive and competitive than ever, but that\u2019s also because the ROI opportunities grow each season. The Valkyries proved that employing innovative strategies that center the local community, while engaging its fans and companies, pays off. In just one season, the Valks became the W\u2019s most valued franchise<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And let\u2019s not underestimate the power of the cool factor, which had Golden State drawing celebrity crowds and commanding thousands for floor seats. In different ways, Portland, Cleveland, and even the Toronto Tempo<\/a> are looking to gain points with fans \u2014 making the court the place to be will drive hype like nothing else. Fired up.