Yesterday Nike and the NBA announced an eight-year global marketing and merchandising partnership that will make the Beaverton, OR based athletic company the official provider of oncourt apparel beginning in the 2017-18 season. This will also included an expanded WNBA presence at events around their All-Star game as well as throughout the season. In addition, Nike will also become a marketing partner of the NBA Development League (NBA D-League), engaging in seasonlong marketing activities with a major presence during the NBA D-League All-Star Game presented by Kumho Tire and the NBA D-League Showcase presented by Samsung. The agreement will also mark the first time an apparel partner will have its logo present on NBA uniforms.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had this to say about the deal:
“This partnership with NIKE represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business. As our exclusive oncourt apparel provider, NIKE will be instrumental in our collective efforts to grow the game globally while applying the latest in technology to the design of our uniforms and oncourt products.”
Nike CEO Mark Parker had these comments:
“We’re excited to bring the full power of our global reach, innovation and creativity to partner with the NBA and grow the game in a way only NIKE can. In NIKE, Jordan and Converse we have three of the most connected brands in the world, and look forward to making the global growth of the game a successful strategy for both the NBA and NIKE.”
The arrangement will commence around events such as the NBA All-Star, NBA Global Games, the NBA Draft, NBA Summer League, and NBA 3X.
