Diet Coke, Dasani Join WNBA Team

NEW YORK, June 28 � Diet Coke, the third largest soft drink in the United States, and Dasani, one of the country's fastest growing bottled water brands, have signed on as the official soft drink and the official bottled water, respectively, of the WNBA.

Through the multi-year sponsorship, both brands will receive advertising time during broadcasts of WNBA games on NBC, ESPN and Lifetime, as well as local television spots, on-court signage and presence on WNBA.com.

Diet Coke and Dasani will also be able to utilize WNBA league, team and All-Star Game logos, and league video footage and photos in marketing efforts. Both brands will take part in fan events held during the WNBA All-Star Game on July 17 in Phoenix.

"The WNBA is pleased to welcome diet Coke and Dasani to our roster of blue-chip partners," said Heidi Ueberroth, NBA executive vice president of global media properties and marketing partnerships. "Diet Coke and Dasani are quality beverages that our active fan base can really embrace and enjoy."

"The passion for life that diet Coke embodies and the replenishment that Dasani offers are a great fit with the WNBA," said Karen Gough, vice president of marketing solutions, Coca-Cola North America.

"The league is dynamic and growing with a dedicated fan base, particularly among women who are loyal diet Coke and Dasani drinkers. This alliance provides a compelling platform to connect our brands with consumers at the local and national level."

The WNBA began its fourth season on May 29. The league, which attracted more than 2 million fans during the 1999 season, has expanded from 12 to 16 teams in 2000, adding teams in Indiana, Miami, Portland and Seattle.