DES MOINES, Iowa – Two of Des Moines' premier athletics teams, Drake Women's Basketball and the Iowa Wild, are joining forces with the John Stoddard Cancer Center to turn Iowa's capital city pink on Feb. 14. The Bulldogs and Wild will both hold their annual breast cancer awareness games on Valentine's Day 2026.
 
"Events like the Drake Women's Basketball Pink Game and the Iowa Wild's Pink in the Rink aren't just games. They are powerful platforms that shine a spotlight on cancer in our community and remind our patients and families that they're supported every step of the way. Bringing sports and cancer awareness together helps raise awareness, honors survivors and unites fans, teams and caregivers in the cancer journey," says Sarah Zeidler, executive director of UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center.
 
The Drake women's basketball team will host Missouri Valley Conference foe Indiana State for their perennial "Pink Game". The Bulldogs and Sycamores will tip things off at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14.
 
Fans seated in the lower bowl of the Knapp Center will receive a free pink t-shirt to wear as they root on the Bulldogs. Drake's game will also feature a recognition of the John Stoddard Cancer Center staff and honor a host of breast cancer survivors at halftime.
 
"Our annual Pink Game is always such a special day for our team and staff and fans," Drake's Suzie Glazer Burt Head Women's Basketball Coach Allison Pohlman said. "We feel inspired to honor so many brave and courageous people who are on the front lines battling cancer, and are so glad to be alongside partners like the Wild and John Stoddard Cancer Center."
 
The Iowa Wild "Pink in the Rink" event is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and benefit the John Stoddard Cancer Center's Oncology Navigator Program. The Wild will face off with the Springfield Thunderbirds at 6 p.m. at the Casey's Center in downtown Des Moines.
 
The first 5,000 Wild fans will receive an LED pink light-up rally towel. The Wild will also be auctioning off their special Pink in the Rink jerseys with proceeds going to UnityPoint Health and the John Stoddard Cancer Center.
 
"We are looking forward to partnering with Drake and John Stoddard Cancer Center to raise awareness, give back to those impacted, and generate meaningful funds to support the fight against breast cancer," said Allie Brown Korinek, Iowa Wild Vice President of Business Operations. "We encourage sports fans across central Iowa to join each team in recognizing the journey of those affected by breast cancer and the efforts of the medical community to support them."