Exciting Times Ahead for the NBA with New Partnerships
As the dazzling world of basketball gears up for another thrilling season, it’s hard not to feel the buzz in the air. This time, it’s not just the athletes drawing attention; the NBA has kicked off the 2024-25 season with a record-breaking number of marketing partners. With a whopping 51 brands now on board, it seems like every day brings fresh excitement for both fans and the league itself.
A Fresh Batch of Sponsors
This offseason has been particularly busy for the NBA, with seven brand new sponsors stepping into the arena. These brands aren’t just signing their names on the dotted line; they’re coming in swinging with unique activations that fans have never seen before. According to Kerry Tatlock, the NBA’s executive vice president of global partnerships, this sets the stage for a vibrant league that’s ready to evolve and innovate.
One remarkable new sponsorship is Emirates, which just joined ranks as the league’s global airline partner. The agreement came just in time for last season’s All-Star Game, and it includes branding for the Emirates NBA Cup, an in-season tournament that promises to be a highlight for basketball enthusiasts. Kicking off next week, this month-long tournament will feature all 30 teams and will wrap up with the semifinals and championship at the glamorous T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
SoFi Takes a Seat at the Table
Among the new sponsors, SoFi stands out as it embarks on its first full season with the league. Recently signing a multiyear contract, SoFi has made a grand entrance as the title sponsor for the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. This unique postseason event allows teams that finished in the 7th through 10th positions of the regular season to battle it out for a chance at playoff glory. It’s a thrilling concept that adds another layer of excitement to the NBA landscape!
A Variety of Brands Joining Forces
But wait, there’s more! Five additional brands have also joined the NBA family: Castrol, Kendall Jackson (making its debut as the league’s first wine partner), Wingstop, United Wholesale Mortgage (founded by the family of Suns and Mercury owners), and Rhone, a dress shirt company. The creativity and diversity of these partnerships showcase the growing recognition of the NBA’s influence.
Renewals Keep the Spirit Alive
It’s not just about welcoming new faces. The NBA has also secured some noteworthy renewals, one of which is with DoorDash. This popular brand, which has been a league partner since 2020, extended its relationship last month, showcasing the mutual benefits these collaborations bring to the table. Tatlock expressed optimism that with this mix of both established and fresh brands, the league is on a promising path and will continue to see positive momentum in its partnership business.
Looking Ahead
The NBA’s commitment to growth and innovation isn’t just changing the sponsorship game, but it’s also creating new experiences for fans. As the upcoming season unfolds, basketball lovers can expect to see creative ways these brands will engage with the community, making for a lively environment both on and off the court.
With all these exciting developments, it’s safe to say that the NBA is more than ready to bounce back in style for the season ahead. All eyes are on the court as fans and partners alike prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable year of pro basketball!
