Las Vegas NBA Partnerships Hit Record High This Season
Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement as the NBA prepares for the 2024-25 season. This offseason has been nothing short of electrifying, with a record-breaking number of marketing partnerships for the league. At the start of the season, the NBA has welcomed 51 marketing partners, thanks to a flurry of new sponsorship deals and high-profile renewals.
Among the highlights are seven fresh brands joining the NBA family, grabbing the opportunity to reach basketball fans in ways that are brand new. Kerry Tatlock, the NBA’s executive vice president of global partnerships, says these companies are bringing some exciting new offerings that fans will love.
New Faces in the NBA Family
One of the most buzzed-about additions is Emirates, which stepped in just before last season’s All-Star Game to become the league’s global airline partner. This partnership includes a significant branding opportunity as basketball fans gear up for the second annual in-season tournament, now known as the Emirates NBA Cup. Kicking off next week, the tournament will see all 30 teams compete in a monthlong showdown, culminating in thrilling semifinals and the championship game at T-Mobile Arena right here in Las Vegas.
Another exciting newcomer is SoFi, marking its first full season as a sponsor after signing a multiyear deal this spring. SoFi has taken things up a notch as the title sponsor of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. In this unique tournament, the teams that finished the regular season ranked 7th through 10th in each conference will battle it out for the highly coveted No. 7 and 8 playoff seeds.
More Brands on Board
Additionally, the NBA is welcoming five more companies to its growing roster of partners this year: Castrol, a well-known name in motor oil; Kendall Jackson, making waves as the league’s first-ever wine partner; Wingstop, known for its delicious chicken wings; United Wholesale Mortgage, founded by the dads of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury owners; and Rhone, a dress shirt company with deep NBA roots. Rhone was co-founded by Nate and Ben Checketts, sons of a former NBA executive.
Renewals Bring Familiar Faces
On the flip side, the NBA has also secured a significant renewal, with DoorDash extending its partnership, a relationship that has been going strong since 2020. Tatlock emphasized that the mix of both new and returning brands has the league feeling optimistic. They believe they are on a positive trajectory when it comes to the health of their sponsorship business.
Looking Ahead to a New Season
With all these changes and new partnerships, NBA fans have plenty to look forward to this season. The league’s strategic collaboration with a diverse group of brands will undoubtedly enhance the fan experience, both in arenas and through various platforms. As the NBA kickstarts the season and embraces its partnerships, the focus remains on bringing fans exciting experiences, unique promotions, and, of course, high-action basketball.
The atmosphere is electric here in Las Vegas! With tournaments and partnerships galore, it’s clear that the NBA is stepping into this season with bold ambitions and a heart full of enthusiasm. Fans can expect thrilling matchups, entertaining events, and innovative collaborations that amplify their love for the game this season.
So grab your jerseys, get comfy on the couch, or better yet, head to the T-Mobile Arena to catch all the action live—an exciting season is just around the corner!
