Angel Reese & The Chicago Sky Help The WNBA & Barbie Launch New Campaign

The WNBA’s Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever game became a unique experience beyond the typical courtside experience on a night when basketball met the magic of Barbie. Barbie’s latest campaign, ‘Give Limitless Possibilities,’ debuted during last week’s matchup, and it wasn’t just any game.

Barbie’s mission is to inspire the next generation, showcasing some of the league’s brightest stars.

The WNBA’s first-ever night with a Barbie theme was a part of the event, which took place at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena. Barbie’s campaign was the main attraction.

During the game, a short film captured the essence of the new slogan. It shows children playing with Barbie dolls while adults reflect on the qualities they wish to instill in them, such as curiosity, imagination, confidence, and heart.

Krista Berger, the SVP of Barbie and head of dolls at Mattel explained that the campaign aims to align with the growing momentum of women’s sports, specifically basketball. “We know that the world is paying attention to women’s sports in general like never before,” Berger explained. “The WNBA has such exciting momentum and energy behind it, and I would argue that this is one of the year’s most anticipated sporting games, post-Olympics.”

The campaign’s message is straightforward: Barbie is not just a doll but a gateway to unlimited possibilities. Barbie’s brand aimed to reach a broad audience as the complete short film started airing on YouTube and across Barbie’s social channels. The film focuses on parents and caregivers preparing for the holiday shopping season. Short film versions will be available on linear TV, connected TV, and other digital media platforms in the coming months.

“It’s really grounded in this idea of, when you look at your friends, or the children in your life…you want to give them the world,” Berger said. “You want to give them limitless possibilities. You want them to know that they can be anything. By showcasing that gifting a Barbie doll can help unlock these limitless possibilities, it doubles down on the brand purpose and messaging of inspiring the next generation.”

The WNBA game’s Barbie-themed night was a celebration that went beyond just a marketing campaign. The arena opened with custom Barbie x Chicago Sky Sherpa belt bags and co-branded shirts for the initial 2,000 fans. The arena transformed, offering fans Barbie-branded photo opportunities and hair-braiding stations, bringing the fun of a night out to life with Barbie’s nostalgic charm.

 

WNBA legend Sue Bird premiered, and she was recently honored with her own Barbie doll, which added to the excitement of the evening. The game included rising stars like Caitlin Clark from Fever, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso from Sky. The campaign’s message of limitless potential was brought to life by bringing together women’s basketball’s past, present, and future.

Barbie’s collaboration with the WNBA is ongoing. Berger didn’t reveal any specifics on future collaborations, but she implied that her team is excited about the growing attention given to women’s sports.

“Society and the media at large shining a light on these women who rightfully deserve to be highlighted as the amazing athletes and legends and trailblazers that they are is only a good thing,” Berger noted. “Barbie has been doing that, and so doing it in tandem with this momentum is something that we will continue.”

The WNBA’s decision to embrace Barbie’s campaign contributed to a fresh and vibrant energy on the court and strengthened a joint vision between the league and the iconic brand.