Michael Jordan Adds 11 Women To Jordan Brand Roster, Largest Female Representation To Date

Michael Jordan’s female Jordan brand roster, photographed by Ming Smith

Michael Jordan Adds 11 Women To Jordan Brand Roster, Largest Female Representation To Date

Michael Jordan is taking big steps in the movement to empower women.

As the sports world celebrates the upcoming 25th season of the first-ever WNBA game, Michael Jordan announced that he would be adding eight female professional basketball players to represent the Jordan brand, bringing to the total to 11 and making it the largest female roster to date.

Jordin Canada, Te’a Cooper, Crystal Dangerfield, Dearica Hamby, Satou Sabally, Aerial Powers, Arella Guirantes and Chelsea Dungee signed on in December 2020, joining Asia Durr, Kia Nurse, and Maya Moore.

Michael Jordan said in a statement for Nike,

“The world needs female voices, and we can’t ignore that or else we’re not growing. The Jordan Brand is committed to giving women a platform to amplify their voices, which influence, inspire, and push culture forward.”

He said of the 11 ladies,

“These amazing athletes are defining a lot of things about Jordan Brand and leading a true conversation that’s impacting culture and our communities across the globe.”

It was reportedly the players’ dedication to activism that caught Michael Jordan’s attention.

Last season, WNBA players fought for social justice and equality with movements like #SayHerName and #WeGot Us, which aimed to support black-owned businesses.

Crystal Dangerfield, who was crowned WNBA Rookie of the Year last year, said of joining the brand,

“We don’t just stick to our sport. We’re vocal in the league, as a whole, and we’re going to bring it to the community — to leave things better than we found them.” 

Jordin Canada, the point guard for the Seattle Storm, added:

“Representation really matters at this point in time. To have eleven Black women be a part of this brand allows the younger generation and younger women to see that they can be like us — they can have that opportunity. I didn’t see that growing up.”