Maker’s Mark has signed on as the first Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled, the player-owned women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The multi-year partnership marks the Kentucky bourbon brand’s first-ever sports league sponsorship ahead of Unrivaled’s second season beginning January 5, 2026.
The partnership will bring Maker’s Mark activations to games at Sephora Arena in Miami and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia throughout the season.
“What Maker’s Mark has done throughout its renowned history is exactly what Unrivaled aims to do, which 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.”
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Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director at Maker’s Mark, noted the shared values between the two brands.
“Maker’s Mark founders – my grandparents – broke with tradition to reimagine what bourbon could be—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today,” Samuels said. “Beginning with co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled shares that same spirit, and we’re delighted to shine a light on their community of players who prioritize passion and purpose on and off court.”
Ticketholders will have access to Maker’s Mark brand experiences in select hospitality spaces and specialty cocktails inspired by the league.
The bourbon brand will take over a new VIP Loge Box at Sephora Arena in Miami, creating an immersive space for VIP guests.
At select games, Maker’s Mark will participate in Unrivaled’s pre-game Fan Fest experience outside the arena.
The partnership includes broadcast-visible signage and 30-second commercial spots on TNT and truTV throughout the regular season and playoffs.
“This partnership brings together two brands that have challenged convention with an independent and generous spirit to create something truly new and compelling for their category,” said 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.”
