SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced the hiring of Will Gulley as the franchise’s first Chief Marketing Officer. Gulley brings a wealth of experience and will oversee the Storm’s marketing, communications, social media, and content creation.

Gulley joins the Storm after serving as Associate Athletic Director for Content Strategy at the University of Washington, directing the media relations and digital marketing strategies for the Husky athletic department. During his time on Montlake, Gulley helped improve communications between the athletic teams and external groups leading to record-setting attendance at women’s soccer, men’s soccer and gymnastics events and overseeing major initiatives like the “Mighty are the Women: 50 Years of Title IX” and #Penix4Heisman campaigns.

“We are thrilled to welcome Will to Storm basketball as our new Chief Marketing Officer. With over a decade of experience in the sports industry and a deep understanding of the Seattle community, Will’s passion for women’s sports and leadership, will continue to support our success,” said Storm President and CEO Alisha Valavanis. “We are also now only days away from opening the Storm practice facility and the start of the 25^th Anniversary season for the Storm, the addition of Will to the team, builds on the exciting momentum.”

Gulley also implemented an organizational system which increased communication between content production, media and public relations, corporate partnerships, ticketing and marketing teams to develop campaigns which brought in record ticket revenue in 2023 along with major increases in digital conversations and reach during one of the best seasons in UW Football history. He also collaborated with media partners to position UW athletes and coaches on national radio and TV features through proactive storytelling and public relations. Gulley’s collaboration with the University of Washington Marketing and Communications office and President’s Office led to successful campaigns for high-profile university activities and events such as “The Boys in the Boat” movie release and the introduction of a new Director of Athletics.

“I am extremely humbled and excited to join the Seattle Storm, and I’d like to thank President & CEO Alisha Valavanis for the opportunity to serve such a tremendous organization,” said Gulley. “The Storm is known for winning WNBA championships, serving the Seattle community, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity.  I’m looking forward to working alongside a tremendous group of players, coaches and staff to build upon that legacy.”

Prior to joining the University of Washington, Gulley spent four seasons as the Director of Digital Content and Strategy with the Big 12 Conference, directing all aspects of production and distribution of audio, video, and graphic content. Gulley was integral in working with ESPN, FOX, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all Big 12 schools to develop and distribute live games. He also produced all football and basketball media days for the conference.

Gulley also spent time as the Senior Producer for Digital and Creative Content at AT&T Entertainment Group, developing digital strategies, producing digital media, and publishing branded content for the Dan Patrick Show and Rich Eisen Show. He also worked with global brands to execute million-dollar campaigns during Super Bowl 51, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the NCAA Final Four.

Gulley earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara where he also was a standout guard on the basketball team. He played in 127 career games over four seasons with the Warriors, averaging 7.2 ppg and shooting 48.6% from the field overall, helping the team make three trips to the NAIA Tournament and post an overall record of 87-40. He went on to earn his master’s in higher education from the University of Washington.

—— StormBasketball.com ——