The award is given in recognition of major contributions to the promotion of women's and girls' basketball, as well as advocacy for the WNBA.
The trophy was awarded to Paul by the WNBA and Vanessa Bryant at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night in Cleveland.
Kobe Bryant, who died in 2013, was a longtime supporter of the WNBA and women's basketball, and his daughter Gigi was a young basketball player. On January 26, 2020, they died in a helicopter crash.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert remarked, "I have experienced personally Chris' appreciation of the WNBA and the game at every level for women and girls." "His unwavering commitment for our sport exemplifies legacy of Kobe and Gigi." He serves as a leader and role model for other professional athletes around growing the future of the game for young girls and all fans."
Paul has attended WNBA games during the regular season and playoffs, as well as camps and the CP3 Basketball Academy, to encourage the youth girls' game.
The WNBA will also donate to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a non-profit committed to assisting underrepresented athletes.
