As the 2024 WNBA season concludes, many players are reflecting on how they unwind and recharge during the offseason. For Lexi Hull, a guard for the Indiana Fever, and Aaliyah Boston, the first overall pick of the 2023 WNBA Draft, their journey has been filled with challenges, resilience, and game-changing moments that have helped them rise to prominence, not only on the court but also in the world of sports endorsements.
Lexi Hull’s basketball story is one of perseverance. In high school, she led Central Valley to two state championships, showcasing her incredible talent. At Stanford University, Hull helped clinch a national championship while maintaining an impressive 3.90 GPA, earning her a spot on multiple academic All-America teams. Her transition to the WNBA, however, wasn’t as smooth as her college career.
Her first two seasons in the league were challenging, with limited playing time affecting her confidence. “I was just so upset,” Hull admits. “I was putting in so much work, but it’s hard to be super efficient when the pressure is really on for those couple of shots.” Despite the setbacks, Hull’s determination never wavered. By 2024, her hard work paid off as she dramatically improved her three-point shooting from a mere 20% to an impressive 47.1%. One standout moment was a career-high 22 points against Seattle, including six three-pointers.
Her on-court breakthrough wasn’t the only success Hull achieved. As her performance skyrocketed, brands began to take notice. Academy Sports and Outdoors partnered with Hull, tapping into the rising market for women’s sports. Hull’s collaboration with Academy has allowed her to connect with fans in new ways, such as surprising young shoppers at the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis.
But Hull’s rise wasn’t limited to one partnership. She also formed a relationship with Form, an innovative training tool co-founded by NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward. Form’s flat-sided basketball is designed to improve shooting form, and Hull’s endorsement has put the brand on the map as a go-to training tool for athletes.
Aaliyah Boston’s journey to the WNBA was filled with hype, but her rookie season didn’t go as smoothly as many expected. In high school, Boston was unstoppable, earning the Gatorade Player of the Year title three times. At the University of South Carolina, she led the team to a national championship in 2022 and was named the most outstanding player of the tournament.
Despite these accolades, her entry into the WNBA was met with skepticism. Critics questioned whether her size and playing style would adapt to the pro level. Boston’s first season was a roller coaster ride, but her work ethic and determination propelled her to new heights in 2024. She averaged 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, showcasing her strength and finesse. In a game against the Atlanta Dream, Boston posted a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds, signaling a turning point in her season.
Off the court, Boston was becoming a force in the world of endorsements. She signed a partnership with Columbia, South Carolina’s tourism board, which embraced her deep connection to the city she calls home. Through this collaboration, Boston was able to promote her favorite spots in the city, bridging her local roots with a national profile.
Her big endorsement move, however, was with Adidas. The deal marked a significant shift in how women’s sports endorsements are perceived. With Adidas backing her, Boston isn’t just a player; she’s becoming a brand ambassador, helping to shine a light on women’s basketball.
The endorsement world for WNBA players is growing rapidly, and Lexi Hull and Aaliyah Boston are at the forefront of this shift. In a groundbreaking move, the two players signed a joint endorsement deal with Aflac, the iconic insurance giant known for its duck mascot. This collaboration is rare in the WNBA, where athletes typically sign individual contracts. By teaming up, Hull and Boston are leveraging their combined appeal to promote health and wellness, with a focus on supporting communities.
Both players are excited about the opportunity to use their platform for good. Hull shared, “I am thrilled to partner with Aflac, a brand that stands for support and protection. Together, we can inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.” Boston echoed these sentiments, saying, “Partnering with Aflac is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fans and promote important health messages.”
This unique collaboration not only highlights the growing influence of WNBA players in the endorsement world but also serves as a testament to the power of these rising stars in shaping the future of women’s sports marketing.
With players like Hull, Boston, and veteran Kelsey Mitchell, the Indiana Fever are building a team poised for greatness. After breaking a long playoff drought, the Fever are now legitimate contenders in the WNBA. The addition of Caitlyn Clark, one of college basketball’s biggest stars, has further fueled the team’s momentum.
The chemistry between Hull and Boston has made Fever games must-watch events, with their connection on the court turning heads across the league. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, the Fever are setting their sights on a championship, and the future of the team has never looked brighter.
The rise of athletes like Lexi Hull and Aaliyah Boston is a clear indication of the growing marketability of women’s sports. As the WNBA continues to increase in visibility and popularity, deals like those with Academy Sports, Form, Adidas, and Aflac are breaking barriers and showing the world that WNBA players are ready to take their place as influential brand ambassadors.
With more athletes securing lucrative partnerships and making an impact off the court, the future of women’s sports marketing is bright. Hull and Boston’s journeys are just the beginning, and their success is paving the way for more athletes in the WNBA to follow suit. The message is clear: women’s basketball is here to stay, and these two stars are leading the way for a new era of athlete marketability.
Relative Articles
None found
