The WNBA is trying to trademark the word ‘Wubble’

The W is turning a pandemic safety protocol into an opportunity to make merch.

The WNBA‘s marketing department already made waves this season when the now-signature orange hoodie became the best-selling item on Fanatics. Now they’re aiming to create a new gear opportunity by trademarking the term “Wubble”, the leagues nickname for the bubble they are competing in this season.

Per Khristina Williams of Girls Talk Sports TV, the WNBA filed for the trademark today, which could have implications beyond the merchandise space. The league also reportedly began production on a documentary within the wubble, so the trademark could be a factor there as well.

The Wubble emerged as a spin-off of the bubble environment created by several sports leagues to resume competition amid the pandemic. Notably, the NBA is playing in a bubble in Orlando simultaneously with the WNBA. Since the league is often referred to as “the W”, the name Wubble was born.

As cool as Wubble hoodies would be, the league might not be granted the trademark. Fans have speculated that a children’s toy called the Wubble Bubble Ball could cause problems for the W’s trademark mission. It’s unclear whether or not the ball is trademarked, but hopefully it won’t become an issue.

If the trademark works out, this will be another great opportunity for the WNBA to reach a broader audience and prove that it can be just as profitable as their male colleagues. This has been a record-setting season for the league in television rating and merchandise sales, and it will be exciting to watch them continue to climb.