State Street Partners With WNBA as Official Investment and ETF Sponsor

State Street Investment Management is bringing financial education and new league-wide initiatives to millions of WNBA fans with a groundbreaking multi-year partnership.

An Alliance Focused on Empowerment and Opportunity

State Street Investment Management, a global giant in asset management, has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). As the official investment management and exchange-traded fund (ETF) partner of the league, State Street and its SPY ETF will now have title sponsorship status on major league events, fresh content programs, and a national slate of financial empowerment campaigns.

The partnership recognizes the aligned visions of both organizations—to show that belief, investment, and commitment can turn dreams into reality for fans, athletes, and communities. It also reflects the WNBA’s remarkable brand growth, with the league recently named one of the world’s most innovative by Fast Company.

Title Sponsorships and Signature Programs

As part of the deal, State Street Investment Management and SPY become the title sponsor of the WNBA Preseason and the WNBA Coach of the Year Award, which honors the league’s top leader each season. The partnership also includes a content series called “Year 1” that highlights standout rookie athletes, providing fans an inside look into their transition to the professional game. In addition, State Street will serve as an associate sponsor of the WNBA Draft and the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.

Yie-Hsin Hung, President and CEO of State Street Investment Management, said:
“State Street Investment Management and the WNBA share a vision that when you believe and invest in your future, your dreams can become a reality. We’re thrilled to partner with the WNBA, one of the fastest-growing brands in all of sports, to help tens of millions of fans learn how investing in their future can advance their ambitions – just like the athletes they admire.”

Advancing Financial Education and Community Access

Through youth clinics hosted by WNBA ambassadors, refurbishing basketball courts, and educational outreach, State Street aims to make investing and financial wellness more accessible to the next generation of athletes and fans alike. The focus is not just on financial products but investing in dreams, ambitions, and long-term goals—whether on the court or in everyday life.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said:
“At the WNBA, we are proud to be partnering with State Street Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world. State Street Investment Management is an incredibly innovative leader in the investment management industry, and we have a shared mission to inspire and support our fans beyond the game. We look forward to working with State Street Investment Management as they help investors evaluate and reach their financial goals.”

Featuring Legends: Lisa Leslie and the “Getting There Starts Here” Campaign

To highlight the power of investing in both self and the future, State Street will also feature Hall-of-Famer Lisa Leslie in its new campaign. Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and a force as commentator, coach, investor, and leader, will share how investing supported her journey.

Lisa Leslie said:
“Whether you’re a professional athlete, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a recent college graduate who just landed your first job, investing in the long-term potential of the financial markets is investing in your own potential. I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible through the power of investing, and I’m excited to be partnering with State Street Investment Management to inspire more people to take control of their future.”

What This Means for Fans and the WNBA

This partnership means fans can expect more storytelling, accessible financial education, and community outreach—forged at the intersection of sport, ambition, and lifelong learning. Watch for financial literacy initiatives, on-location activations, and new content spotlighting rookies, coaches, and all-time legends in seasons ahead.

For more, visit the official WNBA site and State Street’s newsroom. Here’s a 500+ word blog post summarizing the State Street Investment Management and WNBA partnership using structured headings, a direct intro statement with no commas, and all quotes preserved and properly cited with clickable links.