Los Angeles Sparks join Phoenix Mercury in putting sponsor’s name on jerseys

Sparks to have sponsor name on jersey front

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks are joining the Phoenix Mercury as WNBA teams putting a sponsor’s name on their jerseys.

Under the multiyear deal with Farmers Insurance Group announced on Friday, the Sparks will feature the company’s name and logo on the front of their jerseys and warmups. The company’s name and logo will also have major visibility in Staples Center during home games.

The Phoenix Mercury have a three-year deal with LifeLock, an identity theft protection company whose name will replace the team’s full name on home and road uniforms. The team’s logo will appear above the LifeLock on the left side.

The Sparks will wear the newly branded jerseys for the first time in their season opener against defending WNBA champion Detroit on Saturday.

Farmers Insurance executive vice president Kevin Kelso said sponsoring the Sparks will help the company better reach the women’s market.

The company will be involved in the team’s new initiative of helping fight childhood obesity and a league-wide platform to celebrate the achievements of women.

The Sparks are one of five original teams still playing in the WNBA, which begins its 13th season on Saturday. They won consecutive league championships in 2001 and ‘02.