The WNBA recently collaborated with Barbie for a special themed game hosted by Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. Known as the Bayou Barbie in college and now referred to as Chi-Town Barbie, Reese expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting how impactful it is to see young girls dressed up in their Barbie outfits at the game. The event featured pink towels, songs from the “Barbie” movie, and a pregame panel on women in leadership. Fans in attendance also received Barbie-themed gifts, marking the 65th year since the iconic doll was first introduced.
According to Krista Berger, the senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel, the collaboration aimed to highlight the power of igniting imagination, empathy, confidence, and self-expression within the next generation. The goal was to continue Barbie’s mission of inspiring limitless potential in young girls. Despite not being a fan of Barbies, ten-year-old Quinn attended the game dressed in pink and expressed excitement to watch Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark play. Both rookies put on impressive performances, with Reese breaking the WNBA record for first-year players with her 23rd double-double, while Clark scored 31 points to lead her team to victory.
WNBA legend Sue Bird, who had a Barbie doll released in her honor this year, introduced the company’s new campaign, “Give Limitless Possibilities.” Bird emphasized the beauty of Barbies, highlighting how they allow individuals to personalize their playing experience and use their imagination and creativity. Drawing on her own childhood experiences playing with Barbies, Bird shared her honor of being the first WNBA player to have a Barbie doll since Rebecca Lobo in 1998. She also praised the diversity of the WNBA as a good representation of the Barbie world, noting the variety of different women in the league that can inspire young fans to connect and be creative.
In addition to the Barbie-themed game and the impactful performances by Reese and Clark, the event showcased the positive influence of women’s basketball and the WNBA on young fans. The combination of empowering messages, diverse representation, and exciting gameplay highlighted the potential for young girls to see themselves reflected in both the Barbie world and the world of professional sports. As the collaboration between the WNBA and Barbie continues to inspire and uplift the next generation, the event serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of celebrating women’s achievements and promoting empowerment among young girls. Overall, the partnership between the two iconic brands signifies a collective effort to encourage confidence, creativity, and limitless potential in girls around the world.
