NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2008 – Young basketball players in six WNBA markets will have the opportunity to win a new basketball court for their hometown through the “Discover® Card Home Court Challenge,” which begins Tuesday, August 5 and runs through Tuesday, August 26. WNBA teams in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Sacramento and Washington, will each host a competition for a selected youth group in their local community.
The WNBA and Discover Card have partnered to launch this new program in an effort to bring kids together in a positive setting to promote healthy competition, sportsmanship and team spirit. WNBA players will be on-hand to lead the basketball drills during the competitions.
“We pride ourselves in having the best fans in the world and we are thrilled to partner with Discover Card with this united effort to bring kids together,” said WNBA President Donna Orender. “Not only will these young basketball players be further engaged in the game they are most passionate about, but they will also have the chance to win a new basketball court for their entire community to enjoy.”
"The Discover Card Home Court Challenge is just another way Discover Card brings WNBA fans closer to the game,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president, marketing, Discover Card. “We are proud to partner with the WNBA on this project that not only allows children to meet WNBA players and enhance their basketball skills, but will ultimately provide a brand new basketball court in one of the six cities."
Participants divided into two groups, ages 9 to 11 and 12 to 14, will compete in various timed drills focusing on basketball fundamentals. The city with the best overall average time-score will win the grand prize of a new basketball court provided by Spalding. The new basketball court will include 2 of Spalding's 72" arena view backboards and 24 Spalding NEVER FLAT basketballs. In addition, $20 individual Discover Gift Cards will be awarded to the best overall age group time score. Russell Athletic will provide jerseys for the participants and Ocean Spray will provide Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries samples onsite. For more information on rules and regulations, visit wnba.com/homecourtchallenge.
Following are dates and locations for the “Discover® Card Home Court Challenge:”
| Date | WNBA Team/Players | Location |
| Tuesday, August 5 | Sacramento Monarchs Players: Rebekkah Brunson |
Arco Arena One Sports Parkway Sacramento, CA 95834 |
| Tuesday, August 12 | Houston Comets Players: Tamecka Dixon and Matee Ajavon |
Memorial Herman-HBU Wellness Center 7731 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77074 |
| Thursday, August 14 | Detroit Shock Players: Tasha Humphrey |
The Palace of Auburn Hills 5 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 |
| Saturday, August 16 | Atlanta Dream Players: Betty Lennox and Jennifer Lacy |
Phillips Arena 1 Philips Dr. Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Monday, August 18 | Washington Mystics Players: Alana Beard and Nikki Blue |
Verizon Center 601 F Street NW Washington, DC 20004 |
| Tuesday, August 26 | Chicago Sky Players: Brooke Wyckoff and Armintie Price |
Windy City Fieldhouse 2367 West Logan Blvd Chicago, IL 60647 |
About Discover Financial Services
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a leading credit card issuer and
electronic payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in
U.S. financial services. The company operates the Discover Card, America's cash
rewards pioneer. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of
the largest card issuers in the United States. Its payments businesses consist
of the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations;
PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International,
a global payments network with acceptance in 185 countries and territories.
For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com
About the WNBA
Comprised of 14 teams and now in its 12th season, the WNBA is the longest-running
and most successful women’s professional team sports league in America.
The 2008 season tipped off May 17 with ESPN2 again providing appointment viewing
in the form of its “WNBA Tuesdays” telecasts. Combined coverage on
ABC and ESPN2 will include 21 national telecasts, while NBA TV – the league’s
24-hour television network – will offer 70 regular-season contests. The
WNBA is deeply committed to WNBA CARES programs that improve the quality of
life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting health and fitness,
breast health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs. For more information
on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.