Exciting Times for the NBA: Record Sponsorships for the 2024-25 Season
As the sun sets over New York City, the buzz and excitement in the air are unmistakable. The NBA is gearing up for its 2024-25 season in style, with an impressive lineup of marketing partners that’s breaking records and creating a wave of enthusiasm among fans. With a total of 51 marketing partners on board, this basketball season promises to be one for the books!
A Fresh Start with New Brands
This offseason has been particularly busy as seven new brands have decided to jump into the NBA family. Many of these brands bring something fresh to the table, activating partnerships that either didn’t exist before or were without a dedicated title partner. According to Kerry Tatlock, the NBA’s executive vice president of global partnerships, this year is all about growth and diversity.
Among the notable newcomers is Emirates, which became the league’s global airline partner just a few days before last season’s All-Star Game. Their deal includes the branding of the NBA’s second annual in-season tournament, which is now called the Emirates NBA Cup. Fans can look forward to the thrilling 30-team tournament starting next week and concluding with the semifinals and championship showdown at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
SoFi Makes Its Mark
Another exciting entry is SoFi, which recently signed a multi-year agreement with the NBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and USA Basketball. This partnership has made SoFi the league’s first title sponsor of the annual preliminary playoff, aptly named the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. For those unfamiliar, this tournament features teams that finished the regular season in the 7th to 10th positions, competing for a coveted spot in the playoff bracket.
Welcoming More Newcomers
Joining the roster this season are five more brands creating a buzz: Castrol, which is well known in the automotive world; Kendall Jackson, marking the league’s first partnership with a wine brand; Wingstop, perfect for those post-game snacks; United Wholesale Mortgage, which was founded by the father of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury owners; and Rhone, a stylish shirt company with a fascinating family history linked to the NBA.
Renewal News
On the renewal side, DoorDash has decided to continue its partnership with the league, having been a sponsor since 2020. Kerry Tatlock expressed optimism about this blend of old and new brands, stating that it signifies a healthy and dynamic partner business for the league.
Fostering Positive Momentum
With such a diverse mix of brands, the NBA is excited about its future. The combination of returning sponsors, like DoorDash, alongside new faces like Emirates and SoFi, really makes it an exhilarating time to be a part of the NBA community.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA prepares to tip-off the new season, fans can anticipate not just amazing basketball, but also the exciting integration of these partners into the games and events. This commitment to expanding the league’s partner ecosystem is a testament to the NBA’s growing influence and appeal.
We can only imagine the creativity and innovation that these brands will bring as they work together with the NBA to enhance the experience for fans across the globe. Hold onto your seats; it looks like this season is going to be full of surprises!
