Michael Jordan takes crucial step for WNBA empowerment

In 2011, Maya Moore was the lone female basketball player on Jordan Brand. A decade later, however, Michael Jordan now has 11 WNBA players as partners.

In 2011, Maya Moore was the lone female basketball player on the Jordan Brand roster. A decade later, however, Michael Jordan and his brand have now 11 WNBA players as partners.

Jordan, the current owner of the Charlotte Hornets, opened up about the importance of such huge milestone. For him, being able to provide a push for WNBA and female athletes goes a long way in inspiring change and promoting culture.

“I think these incredible athletes are defining a lot of things about Jordan Brand and are leading real conversations that are impacting culture and our communities across the globe,” Jordan said in a statement, per The Undefeated. “The world needs female voices, and we can’t ignore that or else we’re not growing. The Jordan Brand is committed to giving women a platform to amplify their voices, which influence, inspire and push culture forward.”

Aside from Moore, Michael Jordan's sneaker brand also has Kia Nurse and Asia Durr signed in 2019. Now, they also have Jordin Canada (Seattle Storm), Dearica Hamby (Las Vegas Aces), Te’a Cooper and Arella Guirantes (Los Angeles Sparks), Crystal Dangerfield and Aerial Powers (Minnesota Lynx), and Chelsea Dungee and Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings) as endorsers.

Of course, there is still a long way to go to properly give female athletes and the WNBA the attention and platform they deserve, but Jordan certainly takes a big step in making that happen.