12-Year Global Agreement as the Leagues’ Exclusive On-Court Uniform and Apparel Provider to Deliver Innovation and Storytelling for the Next Generation of Players and Fans
NEW YORK, October 21, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a 12-year extension of their global outfitting, merchandising, marketing and content partnership that solidifies NIKE, Inc. as the leader in global basketball and as the exclusive on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League.
NIKE, Inc. will extend its rights over 12 additional seasons to design and manufacture NBA, WNBA and G League uniforms, on-court apparel, and fan apparel, furthering its commitment to grow and improve the sport of basketball for the next generation.
"Nike has always been more than a league sponsor — we’re a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to growing the game, alongside the NBA, WNBA and NBA G League," said Elliott Hill, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO. "Our collective power, global reach and genuine love for the game will only continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans."
The global extension is highlighted by new content initiatives, a comprehensive commitment to grassroots basketball, as well as the continued development of a joint membership program that delivers benefits to fans of the brands through distinctive products, content and experiences. As the biggest champion of the women’s game, NIKE, Inc. is also deepening its investment in the WNBA.
"Nike is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "With an added focus on youth basketball, our expanded partnership will create even more opportunities for aspiring players to learn and compete at all levels and for fans of all ages to engage with the NBA and WNBA."
"Since our league’s inception, Nike has committed to a shared vision for girls and women’s basketball," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fanbase while globally showcasing the WNBA."
NIKE, Inc. and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also extended its group license agreement making NIKE, Inc. an official partner of the NBPA.
"We’re excited to renew our partnership with Nike and continue to showcase our players’ efforts on and off the court," said NBPA Executive Director, Andre Iguodala. "This partnership highlights the reach, influence, and impact of our members, driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions of people around the world."
The renewal follows the eight-year global outfitting, merchandising, marketing and content partnership struck in 2015, which made NIKE, Inc. the official on-court outfitter beginning with the 2017-18 NBA season. Nike has been an NBA partner since 1992, a marketing partner of the WNBA since its inception in 1997 and a marketing partner of the NBA G League since the 2017-18 season.
Together, the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and Nike will continue to expand basketball for the next generation by:
Introducing programs and resources to make best-in-class youth basketball accessible and scalable, prioritizing broad-based access to age-and-stage appropriate coaching, training, on-court development curriculum and playing standards to youth of all backgrounds and abilities, including through the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA.
Creating basketball programming and resources designed to increase access to the sport and improve the playing experience for girls of all levels, including through the Jr. WNBA and Basketball Without Borders (BWB).
Collaborating to enhance player, coach and program development opportunities across Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) through expanded leadership, player health and on-court development programming.
NIKE, Inc. will further grow its established presence across marquee league events, including NBA Global Games, NBA All-Star, WNBA All-Star, the NBA Draft Combine, the WNBA Draft, WNBA Changemakers, the NBA Draft presented by State Farm?, NBA 2K Summer League and NBA G League Fall Invitational.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom and follow @NIKE.
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2023-24 season featured a record 125 international players from 40 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.
About the WNBA
The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 12 teams and in its 28th season in 2024, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content, and community and youth outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it. In 2020, the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) signed a groundbreaking CBA that has charted a new course for women's basketball — and women's sports overall — with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete. Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league's partnership platform, the WNBA Changemakers Collective, with AT&T, the WNBA's Marquee Partner and inaugural Changemaker, as well as fellow inaugural Changemakers Deloitte and NIKE, Inc., and subsequent additions Google, U.S. Bank and CarMax. During the 2020 season, the WNBA and WNBPA launched the WNBA Justice Movement forming the Social Justice Council with the mission of being a driving force of necessary change and continuing work regarding women’s and maternal health and voting rights, among other important societal issues.
About the NBA G League
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 31 teams, 30 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2024-25, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. More than half of all players on end-of-season 2023-24 NBA rosters boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.
About the NBPA
The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA's mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.
The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational, and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the 'players' group licensing rights.
Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.
