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WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix Mercury Announces Community Initiatives to Champion Women and Youth Across the Valley

July 17, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


PHOENIX - As part of the three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury's celebration of its selection to host WNBA All-Star 2024, the organization today announced new community initiatives to empower women and youth through basketball, furthering its investment in and commitment to the Phoenix community. The initiatives include the launch of an all-girls youth basketball league with the Valley of the Sun YMCA and a basketball court renovation at Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) De Colores.

"Bringing the WNBA All-Star Game to Phoenix would not have been possible without the support of our community partners," said Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns owner. "Our organization will include the community in everything we do on and off the floor. These partnerships with the Valley of the Sun YMCA and CPLC will bring the importance of basketball to more kids across the Valley and, specifically, support the young women who want to play. We will continue to find more ways to use the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game to invest in our community."

The Mercury, in partnership with the Valley of the Sun YMCA, will launch an all-girls youth basketball league beginning in January 2024. The Suns and Mercury have had a longstanding relationship with the nonprofit for more than 20 years, dating back to 1999 when they hosted the first Jr. Suns youth basketball program. The Mercury's significant investment will cover registration costs, uniforms and support marketing and advertising to pave the way for the next generation of young girls in basketball.

"Community is at the heart of everything we do," said Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein. "Whether playing the game or cheering in support, everyone should have the opportunity to be part of the basketball community. Thanks to our community partners, we will be able to open doors for more girls and families to experience the joy and passion of basketball."

For more than 35 years, CPLC De Colores has provided a safe environment for survivors and their children from domestic violence. The south central Phoenix shelter serves an average of 600 clients a year recovering from the devastating effects of abuse. The Mercury will renovate the facility's basketball court which will be used by mothers and children to play and exercise. This legacy project will feature Mercury and WNBA branding and emphasize the team's commitment to the Latina community in the Valley.

The announcement was made during a 2024 WNBA All-Star Game celebration event for X-Factor members at Footprint Center earlier today. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced on July 15 that AT&T WNBA All-Star 2024 will take place in Phoenix at Footprint Center.

For more information on the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, visit mercury.com/AllStar2024.

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