NFL
By: Elijah Pittman
The agreement, unveiled Dec. 15, marks Thorne’s first official women’s sports partnership and includes visible branding across Unrivaled’s platforms, enhanced player resources, and collaborative innovation in women’s sports science, a traditionally underserved field.
Under the terms of the deal, Thorne will provide its wellness and performance products, including NSF Certified for Sport supplements such as whey protein isolate, creatine, and magnesium bisglycinate, to support fueling and recovery for Unrivaled athletes throughout the season. Thorne
In addition to serving as the league-wide nutrition partner, Thorne is the jersey patch partner for Breeze BC, one of Unrivaled’s newly added clubs featuring high-profile players, and will hold naming rights for the expanded players’ lounge at Sephora Arena, the league’s primary facility.
“Unrivaled has redefined the standard of support elite female athletes deserve. Thorne shares in that vision,” said Susan Borchardt, Unrivaled’s director of performance and recovery. “Together we’ll elevate performance, optimize recovery, and promote overall wellness for the women of this league.” Thorne
Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, has rapidly expanded since its January 2025 debut with a compressed full-court 3-on-3 format featuring top women’s basketball talent. The league will tip off its second season Jan. 5, 2026, with eight clubs competing under the new structure. Unrivaled Basketball
The partnership reflects Unrivaled’s broader player-centric ethos, offering competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and comprehensive support systems for athletes across the league. Thorne’s presence in the player lounge and on Breeze BC jerseys brings that focus into the daily routines of competitors and provides broadcast-visible assets for fans and partners.
Thorne CEO Colin Watts highlighted the importance of scientific rigor in sport: “Thorne is committed to providing athletes with science, innovation, and resources they need to perform and recover at the highest level,” he said. “By investing in Unrivaled players today and in their futures, we’re helping advance women’s sports performance.”Thorne
Beyond logo placement and product supply, Thorne and Unrivaled plan to collaborate on an innovation platform aimed at advancing research and product development in women’s sports science, an area that historically has lacked investment compared with its male counterparts.
The player lounge at Sephora Arena will be redesigned around athlete needs and feedback, featuring a Thorne-centered refueling station addressing post-workout and post-game health requirements, according to league communications.
The Thorne deal adds to Unrivaled’s expanding roster of corporate partners and sponsorships as the league continues to build its commercial profile. Previous agreements include media rights with TNT Sports and a variety of consumer brand sponsors announced in 2025.
As Unrivaled’s second season approaches, the Thorne partnership positions the league to emphasize both on-court excellence and off-court athlete care, reinforcing its mission to elevate women’s professional basketball and invest in the holistic performance of its players.
