WNBA Becomes First Pro Sports League to Market to LGBT Fans!

It seems so like such an obvious win/win for all involved it’s a wonder it didn’t happen sooner, but the WNBA has announced it will market specifically to LGBT fans, making it the first pro sports league to do so, reports the LA Times.

The marketing push will include teams participating in outreach at pride festivals, advertising with lesbian media, and advocacy work, according to the Times.

“For us it's a celebration of diversity and inclusion and recognition of an audience that has been with us very passionately,” WNBA President Laurel Richie told the Associated Press. “This is one of those moments in the 'W' where everybody comes together.”

Richie went on to say that the league embraces all its fans but that they are well aware that their lesbian fan base has been “very, very supportive.”

One player who's thrilled that the WNBA has committed to its LGBT fans is Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, the No.1 draft pick for 2013 who came out last year.

“I'm so glad that we're finally making a push to the LGBT community, who is a strong supporter of the WNBA,” Griner said about the news. “Our league being the first to make that push and bring more attention to it is great. We'll pave the way and show it's fine and there's nothing wrong with it. More sports need to do it. It's 2014, it's about time.”