SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, multi-year partnership with Alaska Airlines. In addition to receiving on-court logo placement on both Storm home venues, the Seattle-based airline will donate one million airline miles to the “Free Throws for the Future” program benefitting various youth organizations.
“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Seattle’s hometown airline,” said Storm CEO and General Manager Alisha Valavanis. “Alaska Airlines continues to demonstrate a commitment to the Puget Sound region and, with our shared mission to empower youth, this innovative partnership allows the free throw line to support programming focused on that impact.”
Through the “Free Throws for the Future” program, Alaska will donate 2,000 airline miles for each free throw made both at home and on the road. Last season, the Storm averaged 13.9 free throws per game and was one of only five teams in the league to shoot at least 80 percent from the foul line. Throughout the 2019 campaign, Storm fans who are Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ members can donate their unused miles, which will assist youth community groups with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization’s mission.
“Seattle Storm’s leadership in the WNBA, and their advocacy for empowerment and inclusion on and off the court, are inspiring – and their resilient drive for excellence is a great reflection of Pacific Northwest values, and a model for business,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, vice president of external relations for Alaska Airlines. “We are excited to join with the Seattle Storm to continue to inspire today’s young people to be tomorrow’s leaders.” Learn more about the partnership and how the Seattle Storm and Alaska are going the extra mile at the free throw line.
The new agreement also designates Alaska as the ‘Official and Exclusive Airline Partner of the Seattle Storm,’ as well as the presenting sponsor of Kids Day, the Storm’s annual theme game welcoming thousands of young fans and community groups from across the greater Puget Sound region. The July 3 matchup is one of 12 Storm games that will be held at the University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena in 2019.
Alaska and the franchise will continue to offer a StormAcademy session at the Museum of Flight for 50 local youth. Participants are encouraged to become powerful leaders and explore careers in STEM and aviation through a series of workshops.
Due to renovations to Seattle Center Arena, the Storm will play 12 regular-season games at the University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena and will host five more contests at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. The defending WNBA champions will tip off the 2019 season against the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, May 25. Raise the trophy with the Storm in 2019 with a Storm 360 Membership, available now by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622).
ABOUT ALASKA AIRLINES
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flight to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America” in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 11 consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. Learn about Alaska’s award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.