The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has appointed Colie Edison as the league’s first-ever Chief Growth Officer, as of 31 January, 2022.
Based in the league’s New York office reporting to WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, Edison is to lead the development of strategic growth initiatives as the league enters its 26th season.
“Colie is joining our executive leadership team at a time in WNBA history where the league has enormous growth potential,” commented Engelbert.
“As we continue to execute on the league’s five-year transformation plan, Colie brings extensive business experience with managing strategic projects and alliances as well as negotiating marketing and media partnerships and we look forward to her making an immediate impact on our growth aspirations.”
Coming from the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), where she served as the first female Chief Executive Officer, the new hire’s previous responsibilities included overseeing the business aspects of planning and key initiatives, including the organisation’s FOX Sports partnership.
On her appointment, Edison added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the WNBA at such a pivotal and exciting time for the league. The momentum for the WNBA continues to grow and I look forward to working with Cathy and the WNBA leadership team to help further elevate the league.”
Additionally, Edison has also been the Chief Customer Officer of Bowlero Corporation, where she dealt with consumer-facing strategic growth initiatives and oversaw global marketing efforts.
With over 300 locations in North America, she joined the bowling company as Vice President of Marketing in 2013 before being promoted to Chief Customer Officer in 2017.
In a further boost to grow the league, in recent months the WNBA partnered Dick’s Sporting Goods as the latter was named an official marketing partner of the league.
This agreement built on the promotion of women’s sports, youth participation and player development, and the partners promised to create initiatives designed to inspire and connect with female athletes whilst increasing the visibility of WNBA teams and players.