Zespri Kiwifruit Partners with WNBA Team on Youth Literacy, Nutrition
August 7, 2026 | 2 min to read
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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have announced a new partnership with Zespri Kiwifruit, the world’s largest marketer of kiwi, centered around youth literacy, wellness and fan engagement throughout the 2026 WNBA season. Together, the organizations will help inspire healthy habits on and off the court by connecting education, movement and access to nutritious food in communities across Los Angeles
As part of the partnership, Zespri will serve as the Presenting Partner of the Sparks’ “Read Like A Pro” program, a literacy initiative designed to inspire elementary school students across Los Angeles through reading and education. The program includes classroom visits featuring Sparks players, team mascot Sparky and staff members participating in interactive read-aloud sessions and kiwi sampling opportunities
“Our partnership with Zespri reflects our shared commitment to empowering young people and creating meaningful connections throughout the Los Angeles community,” said Stacy Johns, President LA Sparks. “Through programs like Read Like A Pro and Jr. Sparks clinics, we’re excited to combine education, wellness and basketball to make a lasting impact.”
In addition to the literacy initiative, Zespri will also have a presence at select Jr. Sparks youth basketball clinics throughout the season, supporting opportunities for young athletes and their families to learn about healthy living through nutrition, active lifestyles and positive daily habits. The program will include post-clinic product sampling and distribution of co-branded Read Like A Pro materials.
Fans attending Sparks home games will also experience the partnership through a variety of in-game activations, including commercial spots, LED signage and postgame kiwi sampling experiences on Star Plaza
“We’re proud to partner with the LA Sparks, an organization that shows up in a meaningful way for its community. Their commitment to health and wellness on and off the court creates a powerful platform to inspire better everyday habits,” said Darren LaMothe, President North America Zespri. “Together, we’re excited to champion programs that encourage accessible nutrition and highlight the small, everyday choices that can make a real difference, including the role of fresh, nutrient-dense fruits like Zespri kiwifruit in supporting overall wellbeing.”
Through this partnership, the Sparks and Zespri are committed to fostering the health of the next generation by inspiring young people to embrace healthy habits that can last long after the school day and final buzzer.
Founded in 1997, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of the WNBA’s premier franchises, with three WNBA championships and a legacy defined by excellence, leadership and impact in the community. The Sparks play their home games at Crypto.com Arena
ABOUT ZESPRI GROUP, LTD.
Zespri is 100 percent owned by current and former kiwifruit growers and has a global team of 850 based in Mount Maunganui and throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas. Our purpose is to help people, communities and the environment thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit, and we work with 2,800 growers in New Zealand and 1,500 growers offshore to provide consumers with fresh, healthy and great-tasting Zespri Green, SunGold Kiwifruit and Zespri Organic Kiwifruit
