Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente became a founding partner of a WNBA expansion franchise in San Francisco and will have its name on the team's jerseys.
The health system struck a multiyear deal with the Golden State Valkyries, which are set to start playing games in 2025. As the team's core jersey partner, Kaiser Permanente's logo will appear on the front center of the franchise's home and road jerseys. Kaiser will also serve as the Valkyries' official medical provider. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed, a Kaiser spokesperson told Becker's.
"Kaiser Permanente strongly believes we have a responsibility to play a leading role in improving the health and well-being of our communities and we look forward to working closely with the Valkyries on a wide range of community health initiatives," Kaiser Permanente Northern California President Carrie Owen Plietz said in an Oct. 3 statement.
Kaiser Permanente becomes the seventh health system to have its name on a WNBA team's jersey. Kaiser is also a jersey sponsor for the San Diego Wave FC of the National Women's Soccer League, a deal estimated at $850,000 annually.