Exciting Times for the NBA: 51 Marketing Partners and New Deals
As we gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, there’s a buzz in the air, especially in New York, where the league has hit a remarkable milestone by kicking off the season with a record 51 marketing partners. That’s right, the NBA has been busy sealing deals, and fans can expect some fresh excitement both on and off the court!
New Faces Joining the Team
Among the seven new brands that have hopped on board this season are several exciting names. One standout is SoFi, which recently became the title sponsor for the NBA Play-In Tournament. This tournament, set to feature teams that finish in the 7th to 10th positions in each conference, will determine the final playoff seeds. It’s a thrilling addition for fans who love competitive basketball leading into the playoffs!
Another notable newcomer is Emirates, the global airline partner for the league. This partnership kicked off just in time for last season’s All-Star Game and comes with the branding of the league’s new in-season tournament, aptly named the Emirates NBA Cup. As the tournament begins next week and wraps up at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular event.
Innovative Partnerships and New Categories
The NBA is expanding its horizons with some unique partnerships this season. For instance, Kendall Jackson jumps into the fold as the league’s first-ever wine partner, and Wingstop is also joining the lineup. It doesn’t stop there—Castrol, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Rhone, a dress shirt company with ties to former NBA executive Dave Checketts, are also bringing their brands into the spotlight.
Notably, Rhone was founded by Nate and Ben Checketts, the sons of a figure whose NBA roots run deep, having previously steered franchises like the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks. It’s delightful to see this new infusion of brands alongside seasoned ones as the NBA continues to build its brand identity!
Renewing Old Friendships
On the renewal side, the familiar face of DoorDash has confirmed its continued support as a league sponsor. It’s been with the NBA since 2020 and just extended its partnership last month, showing how well these collaborations can grow and evolve over time.
Kerry Tatlock, the NBA’s executive vice president of global partnerships, expressed optimism about the mix of new and returning partners, suggesting that this eclectic combination bodes well for the league’s future. “We are on pace to continue positive momentum,” she said, reinforcing the notion that the NBA is thriving and ready for another exciting season ahead!
This Season’s Tipping Point
With all these fresh partnerships and exciting tournaments around the corner, fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re cheering for your local team or just looking forward to some exhilarating playoff action, there’s bound to be an event or promotion coming your way as the NBA continues to break new ground in its branding efforts.
As the countdown to the season nears its end, we just can’t help but feel the excitement building for another action-packed year of NBA basketball. Here’s to the players, teams, and all the fantastic brands that make the league what it is—unforgettable!
