2 Minutes With … Roman King, CD at the WNBA

With over a decade of experience, Roman is currently creative director for the Women’s National Basketball Association, where he spearheads television advertising, design, storytelling, branding and experiential. Some of his notable accomplishments for the WNBA include launching the league’s 2019 rebrand, its 25th-anniversary “Count It” campaign, the league’s first-ever short film, and its present-day “More Than Game” initiative.

His prior experiences include creative leadership roles at Rolling Stone, Philadelphia magazine, and Condé Nast.

We spent two minutes with Roman to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.

Roman, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’ve lived in New York City since 2016, but to most people’s surprise, I’m from a rural area in West Virginia with a population of under 3,000.

Your earliest sports memory.

I was practically raised on a diet of WWF (now WWE) and Space Jam in the ’90s.

Your favorite sports team(s).

Growing up, we were a Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) household since West Virginia (still) has no professional sports teams. Today though, I root for everything New York since it has some of the greatest teams, stories and fans. 

Your favorite athlete(s).

All 144 WNBA players.

Your favorite sports show or podcast.

The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN is gold.

Your favorite sports movie and/or video game.

I own a used Nintendo 64 just for WrestleMania 2000, the greatest wrestling game of the ’90s and aughts. I would also be remiss not to mention Love & Basketball, a cult classic I love. 

A recent project you’re proud of.

Our 2023 campaign, “More Than Game,” was exciting, as the tagline alone perfectly encapsulated what the WNBA represents today. However, one project that I am proud of and always encourage others to watch is our short film “We Are the W,” which provides insight into the personal stories of the women in the league you don’t often get to see.

Someone else’s project that you admired recently.

I enjoyed the work for Team USA recently, as they’ve taken the typical Olympics promotions and elevated them into a campaign that I’m sure will only continue to unfold as The Olympics near.

Something coming up for your organization that you are excited about.

2023 was a record-breaking year for women’s sports across the board, and all eyes are on us right now for 2024, which I predict will be even greater. The WNBA’s 28th season tips off in May, and it’s exciting to see society start to catch up with the women’s game.

What sports can do that nothing else can.

I have to add a spin on David Hollander’s book title, How Basketball Can Save the World, and say how sports can change the world. 

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the sports world.

I’d make an excellent sociologist or professional people-watcher if the latter ever became a career. I’ve always been fascinated with observing people and understanding the impact of culture on society.