State Farm Re-Signs As Title Sponsor For Ion’s ‘WNBA Friday Night Spotlight’

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.

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, State Farm chief agency, sales & marketing officer. “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, Scripps Sports VP of revenue and sponsorships. “State Farm doesn’t just talk about it. It shows its commitment with actions.”