MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 25, 2005 - Wheaties will issue a special-edition commemorative package honoring the WNBA Champion Sacramento Monarchs following their victory over the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals.

The Monarchs won the best-of-five championship series three games to one, with center Yolanda Griffith named series Most Valuable Player. This package marks the first Wheaties appearance for the Monarchs, and the second time Wheaties has honored WNBA players in the league’s nine-year history. The first package was released in 2004 and recognized stars from three WNBA championship teams, including the Detroit Shock, Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks. The 12-ounce Monarchs box, which features a photo of the team on the front panel, will be available nationally beginning next week.

Launched in 1924, Wheaties is the No. 1 whole-grain wheat flaked breakfast cereal in the country. The brand began its association with sports in the mid-1930s with a sign on the left field wall at Nicollet Park near downtown Minneapolis. General Mills’ broadcast deal with the minor league Minneapolis Millers on WCCO Radio included the large signboard that Wheaties would use to introduce its new ad slogan: “Wheaties—The Breakfast of Champions.” From that rather humble beginning, Wheaties has built a heritage that includes many of the greatest athletes of all time. Learn more at wheaties.com.

In 2005, the WNBA concluded its historic ninth season with an action packed WNBA Finals that crowned a new champion for the third straight year as the Sacramento Monarchs clinched the 2005 WNBA Championship. The WNBA Finals on ESPN2 produced significant increases in ratings (+33%) and viewership (+27%) versus 2004. As the preeminent women's sports league, the WNBA is the destination for the best women's basketball players in the world. For more information, visit wnba.com.