Verizon scores slam dunk by taking NBA partnership over from Sprint

Verizon and the NBA announced they have entered into a new, multiyear content and marketing partnership that will make Verizon the Official Wireless Service Provider for the NBA and several of their related properties. With this move, Verizon moves into the spot previously held by Sprint. Verizon plans to use the partnership to help promote various “features” offered by the carrier, including the newly launched go90 platform.

Through go90, Verizon and the NBA will offer NBA content like daily highlights, original content and access to live out-of-market games through the NBA League Pass. Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon says,

“The NBA has rapidly evolved into a year-round digital experience that engages millions of young, cross cultural fans, in many interesting ways. We are always looking for new ways to add value for our customers, and this partnership creates great opportunities to do just that. We’re thrilled to bring exclusive and awesome content to go90 and to offer unprecedented access to unique experiences.”

Besides the headlining NBA, Verizon will also be picking up sponsorship of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NBA Development League (NBA D-League) and USA Basketball (USAB). The NBA will also give Verizon title partner status for the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest and presenting partner status for the NBA All-Star Balloting Program, the NBA Draft, NBA Summer League and the Jr. NBA.

Fans of the NBA who are not part of Verizon better get used to seeing the name as Verizon marketing will also be integrated throughout NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and during national broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and TNT. Verizon will also be collaborating with various NBA teams, so additional tie-ins are likely to be spotted.

One interesting aspect to the new deal will be possible interaction between Verizon and ZTE, which currently sponsors three NBA teams.

source: Verizon

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