WNBA introduces annual Advocacy Award in honor of Kobe, Gigi

The WNBA unveiled a new annual honor in memory of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna following the 2020 draft Friday.

League commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award will go to an individual or group who plays a role in advocating on behalf of women's basketball.

Kobe, 13-year-old Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 while traveling to a girls basketball game at the Mamba Sports Academy in southern California.

After the conclusion of Bryant's 20-year playing career in 2016, the iconic Los Angeles Lakers superstar and father of four became one of the most visible advocates for the women's game. He was frequently spotted courtside at WNBA contests - often with Gianna, herself an aspiring professional player, in tow.

Just weeks prior to his death, Bryant hosted a private training camp for a number of WNBA players, echoing a similar invite-only event he held for NBA players last summer. Bryant instructed his staff to treat the WNBA players the same way, if not better, than their NBA counterparts, according to The Athletic's Alex Schiffer.

Bryant's widow, Vanessa, will play a significant role in determining the recipient and present the award itself, the league said in a statement. The first winner will be announced during the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.

Prior to Friday's draft, the WNBA also paid tribute to Gianna and her fellow deceased teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, making them honorary draftees: