- Sophie Cunningham is the newest brand ambassador for beverage maker Once Upon A Coconut.
- The partnership covers national ads, social media campaigns, in-store promotions, and community charity events.
- The company donates 10% of its profits to charity, which matches Cunningham’s personal goal of giving back to local communities.
- This deal expands Cunningham's growing list of business partnerships during her 2026 WNBA season.
WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham has joined Once Upon A Coconut as an official brand ambassador. The deal places the basketball star at the center of the drink maker’s online ads, grocery store promotions, and charity events.
Cunningham is known for her tough, high-energy style of play. The former Missouri Tigers star spent six years with the Phoenix Mercury before taking the court for the Indiana Fever. Off the court, she is managed by Andre Eanes and Aaron Eanes at A&A Management.
This partnership goes beyond a basic ad deal. Once Upon A Coconut sells natural coconut water sourced from Vietnam and gives 10% of its profits to charity. That focus on helping others fits right in with Cunningham’s long-standing work with local youth groups and community projects.
The agreement comes during a busy year of deals for Cunningham. Earlier this year, Sophie Cunningham and Quest Nutrition launched the new protein snack lineup, and she also hosted a social video series for the snack company. She has built a strong brand roster that includes European Wax Center, Arby’s, and Adidas.
Her move into natural drinks also fits a wider trend across professional sports. Athletes want cleaner options, as seen when Tom Brady partners with Gopuff to launch Good Nut organic coconut water campaign to help everyday shoppers pick healthier drinks.
Cunningham will now work closely with Once Upon A Coconut as the brand expands into more retail stores and gym locations across the country.
The beverage company previously partnered with Shark Tank investor Daymond John as a major equity partner and ambassador in March 2024. The brand also signed NBA center Day’Ron Sharpe of the Brooklyn Nets in 2024.
Takeaways
This partnership shows how much the athlete sponsorship world is changing. Brands no longer look just for basic logo placement on a jersey; they want players with big personalities who can connect with fans on social media.
Cunningham brings a fun, honest, and energetic voice to the table. That makes her an ideal partner for a young drink company trying to reach people who care about daily fitness and healthy habits.
By teaming up with a brand that gives 10% of its profits to charity, Cunningham also shows that modern athletes care about working with companies that support good causes.
Does an athlete’s real-life personality make you more willing to try a new drink brand? How much does a brand’s promise to give back to charity affect your buying choices at the grocery store? Can rising brands like Once Upon A Coconut win real market share from category giants like Vita Coco?
