TORONTO, March 29, 2023 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced the launch of “WNBA Goods presented by Mastercard,” a new retail platform designed to promote and empower Canadian female entrepreneurs. As part of WNBA Goods presented by Mastercard, 10 women-led or owned Canadian small businesses today released a range of original, limited-edition WNBA merchandise ahead of the first WNBA game in Canada.
#WNBAGoods presented by @MastercardCA is a new retail platform designed to promote and empower Canadian female entrepreneurs & female-owned small businesses, through a limited-edition collection of WNBA merchandise ahead of the https://t.co/jYJGtEFNdC… pic.twitter.com/ff13ASZapw
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) March 30, 2023
The full range of products is available at WNBACanadaGame.com and can be purchased through each retailer’s website. Prices for the collection range from $9 to $495 CAD and a portion of proceeds from the sales of all items will be donated to the Canada Basketball Foundation (CBF).
“The WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine will not only mark a historic moment for women’s sports in Canada but also presents an opportunity to showcase and celebrate successful women across so many different industries,” said NBA Canada Senior Vice President, Leah MacNab. “This program unites talented female entrepreneurs and offers WNBA fans new and unique Canadian merchandise.”
“Mastercard is thrilled to help bring this inaugural game to Canadian fans,” said Mastercard Canada President, Sasha Krstic. “We’re deeply committed to enabling equal access for all girls and women to pursue their dreams. As an official partner of the WNBA Canada game and presenting partner of WNBA Goods, we’re celebrating the historical impact this will have on women's professional sports and proudly continuing our support of women-owned small businesses in Canada.”
Below is an overview of the 10 women-owned Canadian small businesses and their products:
- BARBAYS: Hair scrunchies featuring the WNBA logo
Born out of a demand for high-quality scrunchies and hair accessories, founder Adrienne Decaire’s vision is to build Barbays into a fashion-forward Canadian brand while maintaining small-town family values.
- CUP OF TÉ: Loose-leaf WNBA-themed tea and tea accessories
Driven to overcome challenges from an accident that left her paralyzed, founder and owner Taylor Lindsay-Noel launched Cup of Té with the goal of providing the world’s finest loose leaf organic teas and teaware.
- MAKEWAY: “It’s Just Basketball” sweatshirt and sweatpants
Co-founded by Shelby Weaver and Abby Albino, both long-standing members of Toronto’s basketball community, Makeway is Canada’s only standalone women’s sneaker and streetwear boutique.
- MOOD UNKWN: Hydrating under-eye masks
Founded by Raman Gidda in the midst of the pandemic, Mood Unkwn was created to emphasize the importance of daily self-care. Their products were made for all genders and skin types and designed to suit any lifestyle.
- NAKED BEAUTY BAR: WNBA logo nail decals
NAKED owners and sisters Julia and Gabrielle Bautista built a nail shop in downtown Toronto designed to redefine the self-care experience, with community-building at its core. NAKED has also expanded into an eponymous skincare and lifestyle product line to fit its community’s needs.
- RASHELLE: Hand-pulled rugs featuring the WNBA logo
Rashelle Campbell (she/her) is a Nehiyaw Iskwew multidisciplinary designer who exemplifies a diverse standard of beauty, producing limited-edition, small batch rugs. She believes in embracing thoughtful handmade slow work that has notes of nostalgia and joy.
- SANTA ISLA: Hand-beaded jewelry featuring WNBA imagery
Santa Isla’s owner Jess Sanchez works in partnership with Embera Chami artisans of Colombia to make playful jewelry that sparks joy, while honoring Embera’s weaving practices and cultural significance.
- SCENTS BY FAY: Aromatic Candles featuring the WNBA logo
Founded by Furhana Glass-Smith, Scents by Fay is a hobby-turned-business born out of the pandemic, using clean, natural ingredients to create unique candles and handcrafted home décor pieces.
- THE GIVE & GROW: Planters made out of Official Wilson® WNBA Balls
Owned & operated by Olivia Ho, The Give and Grow is a women-led initiative developed with one purpose: growth. Their one-of-a-kind basketball planters combine a passion for sports and community.
- TONIC BLOOMS: On-demand florist showcasing a WNBA-themed bouquet
Co-owned by Corrie Pollock, Tonic Blooms is Toronto’s on-demand florist, offering curated bouquet designs and indoor plants through a seamless delivery experience in as little as two hours.
Mastercard’s sponsorship of Canada’s first WNBA game strengthens the company’s commitment to empower women, advance inclusivity in sport, and support Canadian small businesses.
The sold-out WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine will feature the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx playing a preseason game on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
The WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine will also air live in Canada on Sportsnet and TSN, and in the U.S. on WNBA League Pass.
For more information, fans in Canada can follow the NBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and the WNBA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Official WNBA merchandise is available at the NBA Store in Canada at NBAStore.ca.
