Back to Latest NewsTEXAS AND NEW YORK – August 22, 2024 – Bumble, the women-first dating app, has announced a new partnership with the New York Liberty throughout the remainder of the 2024 season, becoming the team’s first official dating app partner. The partnership strengthens Bumble’s multi-year deal with the WNBA by creating local opportunities for Bumble members and Liberty fans to connect over a shared love of women’s basketball this season.
On the heels of the New York Liberty becoming the first team to clinch a spot in the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, Bumble will serve as presenting sponsor of a Liberty home game during round one of the playoffs, taking over Barclays Center with an exciting in-arena activation and hosting a singles event where Liberty fans can meet and connect while cheering on their favorite team. As part of the collaboration, Bumble and the Liberty will also release a new social media content series featuring dating advice and Bumble profile tips from Liberty players and fan-favorite Liberty mascot, Ellie the Elephant.
Leading up to the playoffs, Bumble will launch an opportunity for the chance to win a VIP date night experience at a WNBA game. Starting August 27, basketball fans can enter for the chance to attend round one of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google. Each winner will receive travel and accommodations for two, complete with pre-game hospitality, courtside seats for the pre-game warm-ups, and a post-game on-court photo opportunity. Additionally, as part of Bumble’s recent partnership with the WNBA, one lucky winner will be chosen to attend the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.
“This exciting moment has been a long time coming for women’s sports and we are thrilled to support a rising tide around the incredible players and teams making history. The New York Liberty is an iconic institution that has made New Yorkers and sports fans proud for years. I’m thrilled that we can bring that excitement directly to our community and help them connect over their love of the game,” said Selby Drummond, Chief Marketing Officer, Bumble. “We remain committed to increasing equity for women athletes while also creating more in-person experiences for our members to meet offline in fun, new ways.”
Over the past year, sports have taken a front seat in dating with singles across the United States increasingly seeking relationships based on the shared passion. In a recent survey conducted by Bumble*, nearly 1 in 3 (31%) singles said a shared love of watching or playing sports has now become a ‘must have’ when dating. For singles in New York, ‘Sports’ is the number one interest badge displayed on Bumble profiles, with Basketball being one of the most popular sports among women and men**.
“For more than a decade, the New York Liberty have been focused on expanding our roster of corporate partners to reach new, engaged, and broader audiences,” said Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, New York Liberty. “As the landscape of women’s sports evolves, we remain committed to partnering with value-aligned companies that understand the impact of women’s sports. We are thrilled to partner with Bumble to provide unique opportunities for our fans and the New York community.”
This announcement adds to Bumble’s previous multi-year investments in women’s sports. Most recently, Bumble launched a partnership with the WNBA to elevate women athletes and promote equality within sports, marking a significant milestone as the league’s first-ever official dating app partner. Earlier this year, Bumble expanded upon its landmark 50for50 campaign by inking sponsorships with four-time All-American and WNBA athlete Cameron Brink and two-time U.S. Junior National gold medalist Jada Williams.
For more information on Bumble’s partnership with the New York Liberty, visit here.
*Research was conducted by Bumble using internal polling between September 21st – 26th, 2023 with a sample of 26,849 Bumble members around the world, including the U.S.
**Based on Bumble internal data of active users in the United States in June 2024.
About Bumble
Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, was founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble For Friends) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. The app is built with a focus on kindness, respect, and equality – and the community plays an important part in that.
Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and strives to provide them with an experience free from hate, aggression, or bullying. The app is free to download and is widely available in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the web.
About the New York Liberty
The New York Liberty was founded on October 30, 1996 and is one of three original franchises remaining in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Liberty have made five WNBA Finals appearances in its 27-year history and won the 2023 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship. Owned by Joe and Clara Tsai, owners of the Brooklyn Nets, the Liberty play its home games at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. For more information, please visit www.nyliberty.com.
