LA Sparks Announce Partnership with Zespri Kiwifruit to Promote Literacy, Healthy Living and Community Engagement
Published on August 6, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks today announced a new partnership with Zespri(TM) Kiwifruit, the world's largest marketer of kiwi, centered around youth literacy, wellness and fan engagement throughout the 2026 WNBA season. Together, the organizations will help inspire healthy habits on and off the court by connecting education, movement and access to nutritious food in communities across Los Angeles.
As part of the partnership, Zespri will serve as the Presenting Partner of the Sparks' "Read Like A Pro" program, a literacy initiative designed to inspire elementary school students across Los Angeles through reading and education. The program includes classroom visits featuring Sparks players, team mascot Sparky and staff members participating in interactive read-aloud sessions and kiwi sampling opportunities.
"Our partnership with Zespri reflects our shared commitment to empowering young people and creating meaningful connections throughout the Los Angeles community," said Stacy Johns, President LA Sparks. "Through programs like Read Like A Pro and Jr. Sparks clinics, we're excited to combine education, wellness and basketball to make a lasting impact."
In addition to the literacy initiative, Zespri will also have a presence at select Jr. Sparks youth basketball clinics throughout the season, supporting opportunities for young athletes and their families to learn about healthy living through nutrition, active lifestyles and positive daily habits. The program will include post-clinic product sampling and distribution of co-branded Read Like A Pro materials.
Fans attending Sparks home games will also experience the partnership through a variety of in-game activations, including commercial spots, LED signage and postgame kiwi sampling experiences on Star Plaza.
"We're proud to partner with the LA Sparks, an organization that shows up in a meaningful way for its community. Their commitment to health and wellness on and off the court creates a powerful platform to inspire better everyday habits," said Darren LaMothe, President North America Zespri. "Together, we're excited to champion programs that encourage accessible nutrition and highlight the small, everyday choices that can make a real difference, including the role of fresh, nutrient-dense fruits like Zespri kiwifruit in supporting overall wellbeing."
Through this partnership, the Sparks and Zespri are committed to fostering the health of the next generation by inspiring young people to embrace healthy habits that can last long after the school day and final buzzer.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from August 6, 2026
- Postgame Notes: MIN vs LAS (8.6.26) - Minnesota Lynx
- Fever Fall to Aces in Overtime Letdown - Indiana Fever
- Indiana Fever Fall in Overtime to Las Vegas Aces - Indiana Fever
- New York Liberty Sign Marine Fauthoux to Multi-Year Deal - New York Liberty
- Game Preview: Valkyries at Wings - Aug. 7 - Golden State Valkyries
- Game Preview: Dallas Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries (Game #32) - August 7 - Dallas Wings
- New York Liberty Release Betnijah Laney-Hamilton - New York Liberty
- Sun Face Phoenix Matchup at Home - Connecticut Sun
- Natalie Nakase Named Assistant Coach for 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup - Golden State Valkyries
- Behind the Glow: Diamond Miller - Connecticut Sun
- Storm Launch 2026 Kicks for Equality Campaign - Seattle Storm
- LA Sparks Announce Partnership with Zespri Kiwifruit to Promote Literacy, Healthy Living and Community Engagement - Los Angeles Sparks
- Washington Mystics and Washington Spirit Launch Capital Queens Presented by Giant - Washington Mystics
- Paige Bueckers Named to 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team - Dallas Wings
- Trio of Las Vegas Aces to Represent the USA at 2026 FIBA World Cup - Las Vegas Aces
- Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark Named to USA Basketball World Cup Roster - Indiana Fever
- Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum Selected to USA Basketball Women's National Team for the 2026 FIBA World Cup - Phoenix Mercury
- Howard, Reese Make Dream History with USA Basketball World Cup Selections - Atlanta Dream
- Postgame Notes: Sparks vs. Sky - Los Angeles Sparks
- Sky See Five Players in Double Figures in 95-88 Victory over Sparks - Chicago Sky
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
