Nike, which has backed the Women's National Basketball Association since its launch in 1997, has signed a new multi-year marketing agreement with the league.

Nike will receive courtside signage and will advertise during WNBA national game telecasts on ABC, ESPN2 and NBA TV, while its WNBA players will continue to feature in its adverts. In addition to its partnership with the WNBA, the company also has endorsement relationships with 43 WNBA players, including Sue Bird, Becky Hammon, Diana Taurasi, Candice Wiggins, and veteran Lisa Leslie.

"Nike has long been an ardent supporter of women's basketball and a wonderful partner of the WNBA," said WNBA president Donna Orender. "We are thrilled to continue our successful partnership and look forward to working with Nike to engage our fans and continue the growth of the game among women, men and young fans."

John Slusher, Nike vice president of global sports marketing, added: "We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with the WNBA. We share the common goals of development and growth of the league both on and off the court."