NBC will debut a new WNBA marketing spot on Saturday during the Kentucky Derby as it prepares to return to coverage of the league this season in Year 1 of a new media rights pact. Aces C A’ja Wilson, Liberty G Sabrina Ionescu and Wings G Paige Bueckers will headline the ad, which officially launches NBC Sports’ WNBA campaign.
The spot is set inside a faux NBCU office, with “SNL” cast member Chloe Fineman giving the three WNBA stars a tongue‑in‑cheek “first day of work” tour where they pass by pictures of famous NBC female stars like Mariska Hargitay, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Betty White. NBC SVP/Sports Marketing Lyndsay Signor and her team led the effort on the creative.
New NBC WNBA analyst Sue Bird also will be interviewed during the Derby broadcast. NBC makes its return on the WNBA calendar on May 17.