Following yet another successful 2024 Girls with Game® Month celebration, and as local leagues get their spring seasons underway, Little League® and DICK’S Sporting Goods are proud to announce an extension of their partnership, furthering their commitment to local Little League programs, families, and communities.
“Since the beginning of this partnership, DICK’S Sporting Goods has been committed to creating a positive impact in Little League communities, where the grassroots of our program comes to life, while also providing engaging opportunities when Little League is on the biggest stage at our World Series events,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “We are so proud to extend our partnership and to create new ways to enhance the Little League program and support our long-term vision. We look forward to an exciting year of firsts in 2024 and more importantly look forward to an even more exciting future over the next two years.”
The official partnership began in 2017 and the relationship between DICK’S Sporting Goods has continued to grow in scope and support of Little League, including the commitment of resources to Little League programs at the local level. Through the partnership, Little League has also created unique ways to celebrate The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, including the annual “Sports Matter Monday” activations during the Little League Baseball® World Series, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Equipment Grant Program, and its ongoing support of Little League’s female inclusion initiatives.
Additionally, DICK’S Sporting Goods has expanded its partnership of Little League to include:
- Becoming a proud supporter of the Little League Girls with Game 50 Celebration and the organization’s overall female initiative strategy.
- Serving as the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Little League Softball® World Series in 2024, which includes broadcast and presence-building assets, and extended support of the 50th Anniversary of the event.
- Signing on as the presenting sponsor of the Athletes Unlimited Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series starting in 2024, furthering their support of the sport from the grassroots level to the professional stage.
- Supporting the resources for Little League’s youngest divisions of play, including presenting sponsorship of “The Basics” video series.
- Providing enhanced benefits and resources to local leagues and families through GameChanger, which is owned and operated by DICK’S Sporting Goods, The Official Team Management Technology Partner of Little League.
- Offering ongoing equipment support of LLWS tournaments through A.D. Starr, the Official Ball Supplier of the Little League World Series.
“Championing youth sports has always been a priority for our company, which is why we are thrilled to extend our partnership with Little League Baseball & Softball and to have the opportunity to continue to support all of their programming,” said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Sponsorships and Entertainment at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Together, we are equipping youth athletes with the tools they need to succeed in sport and instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship that will endure long after their playing careers are over.”
As part of this continued relationship, DICK’S Sporting Goods has strengthened their commitment to deepening Little League connections in local communities, supporting the youngest level of the program at the Tee Ball and Coach Pitch divisions of play, further increasing their support of Little League’s girls’ inclusion initiatives and the Little League Softball program, providing additional support to lessen financial barriers of entries for families, continuing to support the experience at all seven World Series events, and more.
For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum, offer unparalleled benefits to those member leagues, support the social impact initiatives of the organization and its local communities, and provide the necessary funding and resources to support local leagues at the grassroots level. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors provide access and opportunities so that local leagues may offer the best programs possible, helping ensure that players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience while supporting their community.
To learn more about how DICK’S Sporting Goods and the other Official Partners are supporting Little League Baseball and Softball, and what opportunities are available for local leagues and their communities, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors.
About DICK’S Sporting Goods
DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.
Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.