ANNIE MEYERS DRYSDALE NAMED RECIPIENT OF 2024 KOBE & GIGI BRYANT WNBA ADVOCACY AWARD

In recognition of her continued commitment to women's and girls' basketball, the WNBA announced today that Naismith Memorial and Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Annie Meyers Drysdale will receive the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award in 2024.

In addition to his role as vice president, Meyers Drysdale has been a broadcaster for both the Phoenix Mercury as well as the Phoenix Suns for many years. Through the course of her storied basketball career, she has consistently broken-down barriers, promoted equality in sports and fought for the rights of women.

The Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award honors advocates and influencers who use their time, talent and platform to raise awareness for the WNBA and girls’ and women’s basketball. As Kobe Bryant was so committed to doing.  Kobe contributed significantly to the growth of the women's game at every level. Players in middle school, high school, college, and the WNBA benefitted from his training and mentoring.

“Annie has been a force inspiring young girls on and off the court – something she, Gianna and Kobe shared and cared about deeply.  I’m happy Annie is receiving this award in Kobe and Gianna’s memory – she is so deserving,” said Vanessa Bryant, Chair of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.Meyers Drysdale has many accomplishments as an athlete at UCLA starring in 3 sports. We are coming up on the 45th anniversary of Annie being the first woman to sign an NBA contract." She made history as the first woman to sign an NBA contract when she joined the Indiana Pacers in 1979