Alaska Airlines marketing director: 'It's a momentous time for women's sports' with Portland Thorns FC and WNBA team partnership

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Alaska Airlines marketing director: 'It's a momentous time for women's sports' with Portland Thorns FC and WNBA team partnership

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Eric Edge, Director of Marketing & Advertising for Alaska Air | https://x.com/eedge

By Sky Industry News

Mar 14, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced its new role as the official airline partner for Portland's newly established WNBA team and has renewed its partnership with Portland Thorns FC. This move aims to strengthen the airline's connection with the city and support women's sports, according to a press release dated March 4.

"Between Portland's new WNBA team and the impressive performance of the Portland Thorns, it's a momentous time for women's sports in Portland," said Eric Edge, Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising. "We've been Portland's leading airline for more than four decades and partnering with these two teams lets us share our excitement with the Portland community, where over 2600 of our employees live and work."

Eric Edge, managing director of marketing for Alaska Airlines, said that it is an exciting time for women's sports in Portland. He said that partnering with the new WNBA team and the Portland Thorns allows the airline to share this excitement with the community.

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As part of this collaboration, Alaska Airlines will provide fans with exclusive perks, rewards, and content. The airline's commitment to supporting women's sports is longstanding, with 15 years of partnerships in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and 13 years in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

According to Alaska Airlines, starting in 2025, travelers wearing Portland Thorns gear will enjoy priority boarding on flights departing from Portland. This initiative is intended to enhance supporters' game-day experiences.

Additionally, Alaska Airlines will sponsor a new content series titled "Flight Fit Check," which will showcase the personal travel styles of Portland Thorns players. This series will be produced in collaboration with the team's social media and content divisions.

The partnership also includes a "Throws for Charity" campaign with the Portland WNBA franchise. The airline plans to donate travel miles to a designated nonprofit organization based on successful free throws and three-pointers made by the team throughout their season.

Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and serves over 120 destinations across North America.