Partnership aims to enhance fan interest and engagement in Tour’s athletes and Association
LOS ANGELES, Calif., and DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 28, 2024 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Hana Kuma — an Emmy Award-nominated, story-driven and multicultural creative house co-founded by tennis star Naomi Osaka — to help revolutionize athlete branding and fan engagement within the world of women's golf. Through the program, LPGA athletes will partner with Hana Kuma to develop unique personal brand campaigns highlighting their individual interests and backgrounds, enhancing the visibility of the Tour’s athletes and the overall brand of the Association.
"We're thrilled about this exciting partnership with Hana Kuma," said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. "It represents our commitment to showcasing the incredible talent of our athletes and strengthening the LPGA’s overall brand in a dynamic and competitive landscape. It's crucial that fans get to know our athletes better for both their personal stories and their athletic achievements. Fans follow people and build strong affinity with those whom they know and connect. Our athletes are inspiring, particularly for young girls, and we can’t wait to help give them the biggest platform possible.”
The collaboration with Hana Kuma aims to spotlight the unique stories and personalities of LPGA players, both on and off the golf course, to deepen fan engagement and broaden the LPGA’s audience. Through this pilot program, the LPGA will equip athletes with resources and support to enhance their personal branding efforts, including content creation, public relations, social-media management and personal brand strategy.
“Throughout my career, I've received so much love and support from my fellow female athletes,” said Osaka. “With Hana Kuma, I want to pay it forward by helping empower and champion the LPGA players, providing the tools and resources necessary for them to invest in themselves and build a future beyond their sport. Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes.”
Eight athletes were carefully selected to participate in the program, chosen through an application process based on a variety of criteria. These athletes will engage in the full pilot program, receiving tailored assistance to elevate their personal brands. The athletes selected for this program are not the only ones who will benefit. Hana Kuma will also provide opportunities for all LPGA athletes to learn from their expertise through a brand-building workshop, ensuring that the impact of this partnership extends throughout the entire LPGA membership.
“We’re excited to embark on this journey with the LPGA,” said Stuart Duguid, co-founder of Hana Kuma. “Naomi and I are deeply passionate about advancing women’s sports and athletes. Witnessing the success of building Naomi’s brand and her impactful influence on culture as a Japanese Haitian American woman has been truly rewarding. Our commitment extends to amplifying the diverse narratives of LPGA athletes, reshaping their interactions with fans and sponsors, and pushing the boundaries to elevate women’s sports to new heights.”
The program has already garnered significant interest from LPGA athletes. More details will be shared in the future about the individual athletes selected for the program, the program’s success, and its impact on athlete branding and fan engagement.
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