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ESPN, together with State Farm, has cast WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso, and UCLA athlete Kiki Rice to take part in a brand-new campaign.
To promote the all-new ESPN+ original series Full Court Press, the three star in empowering spots that tap into their "Inner Ballers," remembering why they love the sport that they do.
In Clark's 60-second ad, she watches an ESPN and State Farm news broadcast covering her emotional press conference.
"I want my legacy to be the impact that I can have on young kids. I was just that young girl, so all you have to do is dream and you can be in moments like this," Clark tells the reporters.
Back in the room, Clark reflects on her basketball journey and faces herself in the mirror, where she sees a young Caitlin.
"You have everything to be proud of. I'm super proud. There's so much more we need to do," her child self tells her.
The spot ends with young Clark and Clark at present forming hearts with their hands.
Rice's commercial follows suit. As she works out in the gym, she watches a news broadcast that pushes her to train harder.
A young Kiki then shows up in the gym mirror with a motivational message for her present self.
"Keep your head up Kiki. We're strong. You've got to believe in yourself. Play for that girl in the driveway," the young Kiki tells her.
Meanwhile, Cardoso's ad takes place in the locker rooms, where her mom leaves her a voicemail to tell the athlete she's proud of her.
"Soon, there will be another stage coming up where you will shine even more," she reassures.
The Chicago Sky player then heads to the mirror, where she is told by a young Kamilla that her family will be with her wherever she is.
Women's Basketball Is 'So Much More'
The "Inner Baller" campaign drives its point across by giving viewers an inside glimpse into the lives of women athletes — to tell them that the job is "so much more" than just playing basketball.
Made together with Zambezi’s FIN Studios and directed by Aimee Hoffman, it hopes to show the other side of being a basketball star, and the tremendous pressure that comes with it.
"The hope is that showing these ballers connecting to their most authentic self will encourage others to look within and be reminded of who they are," Kim Salatino, ESPN associate creative director and writer, said in a statement.
Hoffman, who used to be an athlete, also expressed excitement about the campaign and the present era of women's sports.
"Collaborating with women who are creating massive change for future generations has been nothing short of inspiring - everyone can be inspired by these athletes and the movement they're creating," she concluded.
The first two episodes of ESPN's Full Court Press aired last Saturday, while the next two are set to air this Sunday on ABC.
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