Phil Cook

Chief Marketing Officer at WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)

Phil Cook is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), a position he has held since December 2020. He is notable for being the first person to take on this role in the league's history. With over 25 years of experience in sports marketing, particularly at Nike, Cook has a strong background in developing innovative marketing strategies and brand messaging.

Background and Education

Phil Cook hails from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada.1 2 His extensive career at Nike included roles such as Senior Brand Director for Basketball Concepts and leading initiatives focused on female athletes.1 4

Role at WNBA

As CMO of the WNBA, Cook is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that engage fans and promote the league's brand as a progressive entity that champions diversity, equity, and social justice. He works closely with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA EVP Kate Jhaveri to enhance fan engagement and build a robust basketball community.1 2 3

Under his leadership, the WNBA has launched several successful campaigns aimed at attracting new audiences, particularly during significant events like March Madness. For example, the "Welcome to the W" campaign was designed to introduce the WNBA to a broader audience following increased attention on women's basketball.5 6 Cook emphasizes the importance of storytelling and connecting with young consumers to strengthen the league's brand identity.2 6

Achievements

Cook's tenure has coincided with significant growth in viewership and engagement for the WNBA. He has been instrumental in leveraging partnerships with major brands like Google and Amazon Prime to enhance the league's visibility and market presence.6 His strategic approach aims to redefine perceptions of women's basketball, promoting it as an exciting and competitive sport.

In summary, Phil Cook's experience and innovative marketing strategies are pivotal in advancing the WNBA's mission and expanding its reach within the sports industry.