Opill, WNBA announce partnership

Perrigo.  a leading provider of consumer self-care products, announced that Opill—the first daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the U.S.—and the Women's National Basketball Association have entered a multi-year partnership that focuses on building confidence, strength and health equity, all of which closely align with both organizations' core priorities.

"Opill is changing the game in reproductive health, just like the WNBA's game-changing role in sports and pop culture," said Leila Bahbah, Perrigo U.S. women's health brand lead. "Building upon our shared commitment to foster equitable access and to increase health education, the goal of this partnership is to prioritize dialogue and resources in support of women's reproductive health."

Opill will tip off the relationship as an associate partner of the 2024 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm on April 15 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Open to fans for the first time since 2016, the Draft sold out in 15 minutes. Opill, too, recently celebrated a major milestone—last month becoming the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill to be available at most major retailers nationwide and online.

[Read more: OTC birth control Opill now available at retail pharmacies]

"At the WNBA, we are committed to addressing issues that matter to the players, and expanding access to reproductive health care is one of those key issues," said Colie Edison, WNBA chief growth officer. "It's great to be working with a partner whose values align and authentically integrates into the health equity work our players are dedicated to."

This season, the WNBA is concentrating its social justice efforts into two areas: civic engagement and reproductive health advocacy. The league will take a multifaceted approach to spotlight civic engagement initiatives, with a particular focus on understanding how voting influences reproductive health matters within communities of color. 

Opill and the WNBA are also collaborating on a program to reach students on college campuses nationwide. At these and other educational events, the two organizations will celebrate those who are changing the game and educate millions of WNBA fans about this new option, making contraception more accessible in the United States. 

The Food and Drug Administration approved Opill for OTC use without age restriction in July 2023, and it became available for purchase in March 2024. It is the first-ever daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the U.S. and is now available at pharmacies and stores across the country as well as online and at Opill.com.