JCPenney’s women’s sports roster taps into athletes’ unique styles to inspire off-court confidence everywhere women show up

• Audi Crooks, College basketball Student-Athlete, NCAA’s second-leading scorer
• Gabriela Jaquez, NCAA National Champion (UCLA) & First-round WNBA Draft Pick
• Jackie Young, 3x WNBA Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 4x WNBA All Star, 2018 #1 overall draft pick, NCAA Champion
• KK Arnold, College basketball Student-Athlete at UConn & 2025 NCAA National Champion
• Stef Dolson, 2x NCAA Champion, WNBA Champion, 2× WNBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist

“In a pay-to-play world, JCPenney believes access shouldn’t cost,” said Marisa Thalberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Catalyst Brands “We are subbing out exclusivity and opening the tunnel walk to all. No luxury tag. No insider access. Just great style for everyday moments that meets women exactly where they are. That’s how we play, from the “Inside Lane,” where every woman is put in a scoring position.”

As women’s sports continue to drive culture, basketball players are setting trends, commanding attention, and refusing to play small. JCPenney’s “Inside Lane” demonstrates that influence and the style that personifies it shouldn’t be reserved for the few, it should be accessible at all. This roster underscores that style doesn’t require a stylist, and that elite off-court fashion can happen at any price point.

“Women’s basketball represents exactly what ‘Yes, JCPenney’ stands for,” Thalberg continued. “These athletes are bold. Unapologetic. Inclusive. Defying expectations. They embody what it means to show up with confidence – even if they’ve been underestimated. Exactly what our customers do every single day, whether they’re on the court or on Main Street.”

Through five distinct style journeys, each athlete’s curation tells their style story and refuses to play small, whether it is Arnold’s bold edge, Young’s statement pieces, Crooks’ 90s reimagined flair, Jaquez’ elevated comfort or Dolson’s versatility. In the coming months, unlike typical limited-edition collaborations, “Inside Lane” will debut multiple curated looks from each player, fit for all sizes and at every price point – each pulled from JCPenney’s existing lineup, meaning there’s no waitlist required. Styled up or down for whatever your tunnel moment looks like, these full looks will be available to score online and in-store at jcpenney.com/m/insidelane with value and style that can’t be beat.

The “Inside Lane” was built in partnership with women’s sports firm, Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment. “The women’s sports industry and its respective fandom have been built on access and community – its influence on fashion and style should be no different,” said Laura Correnti, Founder & CEO, Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment. “JCPenney’s continued approach to be the antithesis of exclusivity not only aligns strategically with the broader women’s sports ecosystem, but it also platforms everyday style athletes and their fans put on to put wins on the board across all facets of life; look good, feel good, play good.”

NCAA National Champion Gabriela Jaquez has built her career refusing to be underestimated. That same fearlessness extends beyond the court, where fashion serves as a powerful expression of her identity and upbringing. JCPenney’s “Inside Lane” marks a full circle moment for Jaquez, rooted in personal history and driven by confidence, authenticity, and self-expression.

“Fashion is part of my game, on and off the court. Growing up, I’d head to the Camarillo JCPenney every back-to-school season—that’s where I learned that real power comes from accessibility, not price tags,” said Jaquez. “I chose to be part of ‘Inside Lane’ because JCPenney understands what luxury brands miss: confidence doesn’t require exclusivity. I handpicked these fits to give every woman the freedom to command her space and own her moment, unapologetically.”