There’s Another #22 Making Waves In The WNBA
What Caitlin Clark has done for women’s basketball continues to be exhilarating. Many sports fans in general are sporting her #22 Iowa shirts and jerseys, in addition to her Indiana Fever #22 gear. However, there’s another rookie in the WNBA that also happens to be #22, who is also making a tremendous impact.
Cameron Brink was the second overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She was selected right after Clark, who went first (so two #22’s were first picks). Brink played for Stanford in college so simply had to move down the California coast to start her professional basketball career.
The Sparks, who utilize the Lakers’ purple and gold colors, have arguably the best logo in the league and have leaned into that creating some great branding. It all has been a perfect fit for Brink who immediately found herself in the Sparks starting lineup in addition to being the face of the franchise. In fact, the Sparks website has images of Brink in a Sparks jersey across the top left, and in her Stanford uniform on the right.
As we’ve learned recently, basketball is just part of what is making these stars fan-favorites across the sporting world. Another transition players face coming from college to the professional level is that the college NIL deals essentially evolve into endorsement deals for marketable players.
Here Is How Cameron Brink Is Making Waves In The WNBA Already
Late last year, New Balance made Brink their brand’s first female basketball athlete. Forbes shared a quote from Naveen Lokesh, head of basketball sports marketing at New Balance, who said, “Cameron’s exceptional skill on the court and her desire to give back align perfectly with New Balance’s desire to change the game for the better.”
Simply scrolling through Brink’s Instagram you will see partnerships showcased with WNBA League Pass, Skims, Teleflora, and the cover of SLAM magazine.
When you visit the LA Sparks team shop, again Brink is at the top of the page. The top item in the “most popular” section is Brink’s purple #22 jersey. The only problem is that they are so popular only the purple adult-sized variation is available. For youth fans they have the option of purchasing Brink’s #22 t-shirt until the stock is replenished.
When you simply Google Brink’s name two of the main search results are centered around Brink’s game day fits and her competition playing against Caitlin Clark now in the pros. They are one and one against each other so far this season. Clark won her first game with the Fever in Los Angeles last week. Then earlier this week Brink and the Sparks went into Indiana and beat the Fever.
The two teams won’t play again until September 4, and we can be assured the two #22’s will have many future exciting matchups for years to come. Along the way, they will likely continue to inspire youth players across the globe and be great advocates for the well-deserved growth of the WNBA.
