Maker’s Mark Named First Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled

Press Release – Maker’s Mark Unrivaled Partnership

UNRIVALED AND MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT THAT CHANGED THE GAME

Maker’s Mark is named first Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled, the breakthrough league built with the biggest stars in women’s basketball

LORETTO, Ky., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of the league’s second season in January, Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, today announced it will be the first Official Spirits Partner of Unrivaled presented by Samsung Galaxy — the athlete-founded and player-owned women’s basketball league ushering in a new era for the game. This is Maker’s Mark’s first-ever sports league sponsorship. As part of the multi-year partnership, Maker’s Mark will bring the spirit of sport to life throughout the season at games at Sephora Arena in Miami and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Shared Values of Innovation and Independence

“What Maker’s Mark has done throughout its renowned history is exactly what Unrivaled aims to do, which is carving our own path to create something better, and leaning into unreasonable ideas instead of shying away from them,” said Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled Co-Founder. “That’s what makes Maker’s Mark a perfect fit as our first Official Spirits Partner. We’re grateful for their support in our continued pursuit of making the unreasonable a reality for women’s basketball.”

Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director at Maker’s Mark added, “Maker’s Mark founders – my grandparents – broke with tradition to reimagine what bourbon could be—a perfectly unreasonable spirit that endures today. Beginning with co-founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled shares that same spirit, and we’re delighted to shine a light on their community of players who prioritize passion and purpose on and off court.”

Brand Experiences and Fan Engagement – Maker’s Mark Unrivaled Partnership

As part of the partnership, Unrivaled ticketholders will have the chance to engage with Maker’s Mark brand experiences in select hospitality spaces and enjoy specialty cocktails inspired by the league. At Sephora Arena in Miami, Maker’s Mark will take over their new VIP Loge Box, creating an immersive space for VIP guests. At select games, Maker’s Mark will also be part of Unrivaled’s pre-game Fan Fest experience outside the arena where fans can enjoy games, photo opportunities, exclusive merch and activations in Unrivaled style.

Maker’s Mark will also appear in-arena through displays with broadcast-visible signage. Thirty-second commercial spots will run on media partners including TNT and truTV throughout the regular season and playoffs, featuring the new Perfectly Unreasonable global campaign, which celebrates the idea that going to unreasonable lengths—in life and in bourbon—is what separates good from remarkable. In parallel, Maker’s Mark will run custom content on Bleacher Report.

Unrivaled’s Growing Impact and 2026 Season Expansion

“This partnership brings together two brands that have challenged convention with an independent and generous spirit to create something truly new and compelling for their category,” said Regan Clarke, U.S. vice president of American Whiskey Brands, Suntory Global Spirits. “We’re thrilled to bring the dynamic energy of Unrivaled to life for basketball and bourbon fans alike – whether they’re enjoying the game in the arena or tuning in to watch with friends over a Maker’s Mark cocktail.”

This announcement comes ahead of Unrivaled’s highly anticipated 2026 season, tipping off January 5 in Miami. Building on a breakthrough inaugural year that excited millions of fans, the league returns bigger than ever, featuring two new clubs, a redesigned arena with expanded fan sections, and their first-ever tour stop in Philadelphia. With broader national broadcast coverage with a fourth night of games, new brand partners and a growing roster of the sport’s biggest players, Unrivaled continues to push women’s basketball forward and redefine what a player-led league can look like.

How Fans Can Engage

Unrivaled and Maker’s Mark will offer their communities of ambassadors and fans exclusive content and other benefits. To explore the partnership with Maker’s Mark and Unrivaled, including nearby bar activations, signature cocktail recipes and more, visit makersmark.com/unrivaled-announcement or @makersmark and @unrivaledbasketball on Instagram.

About Unrivaled

Unrivaled is a professional women’s basketball league innovating the women’s professional sports landscape with a groundbreaking model centered on investing in its athletes. Co-Founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled is player-owned, providing participating players equity opportunities for a vested interest in the league’s success. Launched in January 2025, Unrivaled features the current top women’s basketball stars in the world across eight clubs for a 3-on-3, compressed full court style of play. To learn more, visit unrivaled.basketball or contact info@unrivaled.com.

Read about Maker’s Mark’s latest release in our Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2025 Review.

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