WNBA players invited to Fanatics business immersion program

Fanatics’ week-long business immersion program has successfully engaged a diverse mix of female sports professionals. This includes six WNBA players, namely Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Essence Carson, Lexi Brown, Rebekah Gardner, Diamond DeShields, and Isabelle Harrison.

The program aims to create future opportunities for athletes after their sports careers. Orlando Ashford, chief people officer at Fanatics remarked, “Athletes are going to be non-athletes way longer than they actually are athletes. What do they do with that second or third chapter of their life? We want to help create that chapter. It’s great for the athlete, but it’s also great for our company.”

Regarding the experience, Harrison said, “To have this opportunity, especially as a woman and Black athlete, I just feel like it’s going to make the difference for my next step as a professional.”

Brown shared about the experience on social media: “Just had the most amazing week with Fanatics. I was able to learn so much from some of the most impressive and intelligent people I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful for this life!!!!”

The program has grown over time and now includes players from various sports, with future plans of expanding the program to retired players and offering a longer, six-month co-op-like experience. See the original story on Rookie Wire