New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, a two-time MVP in the WNBA, is the first woman to become a partner in functional beverage Throne Sport Coffee.
Throne Sport Coffee—a Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Award finalist for Best Coffee or Tea— also recently raised $10 million in a Series A round. The funds will be used to expand distribution, build sales and invest in brand marketing. The company has raised a total of $18 million, according to analyst Drew Fallon.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and three-time Super Bowl champion, is the company’s lead investor.
Throne Sport Coffee offers RTD latte in four flavors—coffee, French vanilla, mocha java and salted caramel—and low-sugar cold brew, available in mocha cocoa, vanilla bean, sea salt caramel and black. Both varieties are made with B vitamins, premium Arabica coffee and natural flavors and sweeteners. The latte includes ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, but the cold brew is dairy free.
The brand was founded by Michael Fedele, who previously was head of marketing for BodyArmor Sports Nutrition and the senior brand manager for the Coco-Cola Company’s Vitaminwater.
Stewart told Fox Business news that athletes and mothers need caffeine, but she appreciates the 10 g protein boost in Throne Sport Coffee as well.
“Every time I walk in the gym I’m having one. I’m letting everyone know that not only am I drinking coffee, but I’m getting so positive protein benefit as well,” she said in the Fox Business interview.