• by Teresa Buyikian , 6 hours ago

Unrivaled, the athlete-founded and player-owned women's basketball league presented by Samsung Galaxy, is about to enter its second season with its first liquor partnership.

Maker’s Mark has signed on as the new league’s official spirits partner, marking the brand’s first sports sponsorship. The multiyear partnership will give Unrivaled ticket holders engagement opportunities with Maker’s Mark at various arenas, providing experiences in select hospitality spaces and specialty cocktails inspired by the league.

“This partnership brings together two brands that have challenged convention with an independent and generous spirit to create something truly new and compelling for their category,” says Regan Clarke, U.S. vice president of American Whiskey Brands, Suntory Global Spirits in the announcement.  

At Sephora Arena in Miami, Maker's Mark will host the new VIP Loge Box. The brand will also be part of the of Unrivaled's pre-game Fan Fest experiences outside of select arenas, including games, photo opportunities, exclusive merch and activations.

Maker’s Mark will run :30 ads, as part of the brand’s “Perfectly Unreasonable” global campaign, on networks such as TNT and truTV throughout the regular season and the playoffs. The brand will also create custom content to run on Bleacher Report.

Unrivaled’s second season tips off Jan. 5 in Miami. League additions for 2026 a redesigned arena with expanded fan sections, a new tour stop in Philadelphia and broader national broadcast coverage.

Both Maker’s Mark and Unrivaled are promoting the partnership, announcing nearby bar activations and cocktail recipes, via @makersmark and @unrivaledbasketball on Instagram.