Maker’s Mark Becomes First Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled

Handmade Kentucky bourbon meets a trailblazing player led women’s league in a multi year partnership.

A First of Its Kind League Sponsorship

Maker’s Mark has been named the first Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled presented by Samsung Galaxy.

The athlete‑founded, player‑owned women’s basketball league is redefining the game as it heads into its second season in January 2026. Games will be played at Sephora Arena in Miami and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Maker’s Mark will “bring the spirit of sport to life” throughout the season with on‑site activations and branded experiences.

Shared Values: Challenging Tradition and “Unreasonable” Ideas

For Unrivaled co‑founder Napheesa Collier, the partnership is rooted in a shared philosophy. “What Maker’s Mark has done throughout its renowned history is exactly what Unrivaled aims to do. The aim is carving our own path to create something better and leaning into unreasonable ideas instead of shying away from them,” said Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled Co‑Founder. “That’s what makes Maker’s Mark a perfect fit as our first Official Spirits Partner. We’re grateful for their support in our continued pursuit of making the unreasonable a reality for women’s basketball.”

From the bourbon side, Rob Samuels, eighth‑generation whisky maker and Managing Director at Maker’s Mark, drew a direct line between his grandparents’ vision and Unrivaled’s approach.

“Maker’s Mark founders  my grandparents broke with tradition to reimagine what bourbon could be a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Beginning with co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled shares that same spirit. We’re delighted to shine a light on their community of players who prioritize passion and purpose on and off court.”

In Arena Experiences and Signature Cocktails

As part of the multi‑year deal, Unrivaled ticketholders will be able to interact with Maker’s Mark in select hospitality spaces. They will also enjoy specialty cocktails inspired by the league. At Sephora Arena in Miami, the brand will take over a new VIP Loge Box, turning it into an immersive Maker’s Mark environment for premium guests.

Outside the arena, Maker’s Mark will feature in Unrivaled’s pre‑game Fan Fest at select games. There, fans can enjoy games, photo ops, exclusive merch and activations “in Unrivaled style.” Inside both arenas, the brand will appear via broadcast‑visible signage and displays.

Meanwhile, 30‑second spots will run on media partners including TNT and truTV throughout the regular season and playoffs. Those ads will highlight the new “Perfectly Unreasonable” global campaign, which celebrates going to “unreasonable lengths” in both life and bourbon. Custom content will also appear on Bleacher Report.

Why This Partnership Matters for Basketball and Bourbon

“This partnership brings together two brands that have challenged convention with an independent and generous spirit. They aim to create something truly new and compelling for their category,” stated Regan Clarke, U.S. Vice President of American Whiskey Brands, Suntory Global Spirits. “We’re thrilled to bring the dynamic energy of Unrivaled to life for basketball and bourbon fans alike. Whether they’re enjoying the game in the arena or tuning in to watch with friends over a Maker’s Mark cocktail.”

The announcement lands just ahead of Unrivaled’s highly anticipated 2026 season, tipping off January 5 in Miami. Building on a breakthrough inaugural year, the league returns with two new clubs and a redesigned arena with expanded fan sections. This includes its first tour stop in Philadelphia, broader national broadcast coverage with a fourth night of games, new brand partners and an even deeper roster of stars.

Together, Unrivaled and Maker’s Mark plan to offer their communities exclusive content and benefits. These include nearby bar activations, signature cocktail recipes, and digital storytelling around players and fans. Those interested can learn more at makersmark.com/unrivaled-announcement.

Alternatively, they can follow @makersmark and @unrivaledbasketball on Instagram to track how this “perfectly unreasonable” partnership evolves on and off the court.