A new partnership between Fordham and the New York Liberty will open doors for students in the competitive sports and entertainment industry while bringing the University community together to give back to New York City.
Fordham’s partnership with the Brooklyn-based WNBA team will connect students with internships and other experiential learning opportunities and give students, faculty, and staff the chance to participate in volunteer service projects.
With the Liberty drawing fans to their home at Barclays Center, the collaboration also expands Fordham’s presence in Brooklyn and throughout the tri-state area. LED signage throughout the arena will prominently feature Fordham’s visual identity, introducing the University to young fans and their families as well as adults seeking to advance their education.
“Partnering with the New York Liberty, an organization that exemplifies courage, community, and advocacy both on and off the court, offers a strong alignment with Fordham’s values,” said Justin Bell, Fordham’s vice president for marketing and communications. “As the Jesuit University of New York, this partnership allows us to deepen our roots across the city, introduce our students to incredible experiential learning opportunities, expand our brand presence, and engage New Yorkers around a shared purpose.”
Members of the Fordham community can attend Fordham Day on Aug. 29 at Barclays Center to see the New York Liberty take on the Chicago Sky. Ramses will be there cheering on the Liberty with his friend Ellie the Elephant, the team’s beloved mascot, and all Rams at the game will get a free Fordham x New York Liberty co-branded t-shirt.
A limited number of free tickets will be available for students, faculty, and staff. Alumni, families, and friends can purchase discounted tickets through this exclusive Fordham link.
Sports Internships for Students
A key component of the partnership is support for the University’s Internship Promise with dedicated internships for Fordham students at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the Liberty’s parent organization. Through internships focusing on business, operations, and sports management, students will learn firsthand how a major sports organization operates.
Students will also gain access to career-development programming led by Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment’s Human Resources team. The workshops will focus on practical career-readiness skills like strengthening résumés, preparing for interviews, and navigating the hiring process.
Patrick Gabriel Torres, who graduated from Fordham in May, is now interning with the Liberty, creating social media content for the team.
“It’s been a great opportunity to get an inside look at a high-performing sports business in the New York City market,” said Torres, who is pursuing a career in sports media. “I think it’s been exactly what I needed, preparing me for where I want to go.”
Working Together For What Matters
At a time when women’s basketball is drawing record-breaking audiences, the collaboration celebrates the game and the players who are inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans. As an original WNBA franchise, the New York Liberty is celebrating 30 seasons of advancing the game and shaping the future of women’s sports.
Beyond the court, the Liberty will also have a presence at Fordham’s 10th annual Women’s Summit, a professional and personal development event that raises money for student scholarships and other University initiatives. Shana Stephenson, the team’s chief brand officer, will be a panelist at the summit, sharing wisdom from her career as a branding professional to inspire Fordham alumnae, faculty, parents, and friends.
The partnership will extend to the community as well, reflecting Fordham’s Jesuit commitment to serving others, especially in New York City. As the presenting partner of the Liberty’s Season of Giving Toy Drive, Fordham students, alumni, and staff will work alongside Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment employees to collect and distribute gifts to children and teens during the holiday season.
“Together, we’re defining what two great institutions can achieve when teaming up for what matters,” Bell said.
