PHX Reporter

The Phoenix Mercury and Cleveland Avenue have announced a new partnership that will introduce the first-ever rotating jersey badge. This collaboration will begin with Partake Foods as the featured jersey badge partner for the 2024 season.

Cleveland Avenue, a venture capital firm known for investing in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies, will showcase different brands from its portfolio on the jerseys each season. This initiative is part of a broader global partnership involving the Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Avenue.

Josh Bartelstein, CEO of both the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns, stated: "The magnitude of this historic partnership with Cleveland Avenue is built on our shared commitment to invest in and support women – from athletes to entrepreneurs." He added that featuring Partake Foods highlights a woman-founded company making significant industry impacts.

Partake Foods' logo will appear on the left shoulder of the team's game jerseys. Founded by Denise Woodard in 2016 after her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Partake Foods offers allergy-friendly snacks like cookies and graham crackers. The products are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and free from top allergens.

Denise Woodard expressed her enthusiasm about being chosen as the inaugural brand for this partnership: "Being chosen as the inaugural brand of this incredible partnership is both an honor and aligned to Partake’s mission of radical inclusivity."

Don Thompson, Founder & CEO of Cleveland Avenue, emphasized their commitment to fostering growth for entrepreneurs: "Building on the Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Avenue announcement last week, the selection of Partake Foods is a great example of how Cleveland Avenue accelerates growth for entrepreneurs and their businesses."

Cleveland Avenue aims to support lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that disrupt markets positively. Their focus includes providing financial resources and expertise to benefit investors, entrepreneurs, and communities over time.

The Phoenix Mercury continues its tradition as one of WNBA's original franchises by empowering women's sports through initiatives such as launching an all-girls YMCA youth basketball league. They also plan to open a new practice facility in summer 2024.