NBA Season Kicks Off with Record Number of Marketing Partnerships
As the sun rises over Los Angeles, basketball fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. This year, the league has hit an all-time high by partnering with a staggering 51 marketing partners. That’s right, folks—51 brands have jumped on the basketball bandwagon, including seven fresh faces that are set to make a splash this season. Just like a slam dunk in the dying seconds of a game, these new partnerships have everyone talking!
New Players in the Game
Among the new sponsors, the Dubai-based airline Emirates stole the spotlight last season when it became the league’s global airline partner. This partnership is nothing short of a big deal; it includes the branding rights for the league’s second annual in-season tournament, now known as the Emirates NBA Cup. The tournament, which kicks off next week, promises an exhilarating month of basketball action that will conclude with the semifinals and championship game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This marks a significant return to this consumer space; it was last held by Southwest Airlines from 2002 to 2010.
Another noteworthy newcomer is SoFi, which recently inked a multi-year agreement that makes it the league’s first title sponsor of the annual preliminary playoff tournament. The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will see teams that finish the regular season in the 7th to 10th positions face off for a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs. It’s a thrilling addition that fans are sure to embrace!
Welcoming New Brands
The NBA isn’t just stopping with Emirates and SoFi; a total of five more brands have jumped on board this year. Castrol, a well-known motor oil brand, joins the ranks, alongside Kendall Jackson, the league’s first-ever wine partner. Talk about raising a toast to that! The delicious Wingstop is also on the list, along with United Wholesale Mortgage, founded by none other than Mat and Justin Ishbia, whose family owns the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. Rounding it out is Rhone, a stylish dress shirt company started by Nate and Ben Checketts, sons of a former NBA executive.
Renewals and Future Optimism
Not to be overlooked, DoorDash, a sponsor since 2020, recently extended its partnership for another season. This blend of new and established brands gives NBA executives a sense of optimism. Kerry Tatlock, the NBA’s executive vice president of global partnerships, shared that these developments indicate the league is on track to maintain its positive momentum in terms of business health, which is a great sign for both fans and players alike.
A Bright Future
With so many exciting changes, it seems like NBA fans are in for a treat this season. From newly branded tournaments to fresh sponsor activations, the league is gearing up for a thrilling ride. It’s clear that the synergy between basketball and these innovative brands has the potential to elevate the overall experience for everyone involved. So, grab your jerseys and let’s get ready to cheer for our favorite teams as they take the court this season!
Here’s to a fantastic NBA season ahead, filled with unforgettable moments and new partnerships that enhance the beloved sport. Who knows what the future holds for these collaborations? One thing is for sure: the game just got a whole lot more exciting!
