NBA Jersey Patch Sponsorships: A Deep Dive
- October 27, 2023
- SponsorPulse Staff
The NBA is one of the most prominent brands in the world of sports, boasting engagement from over 112 million Americans in the past year; its sponsorship allure has reached new heights, ranking as the 4th best property in sports among 529 entities in the US, according to SponsorPulse.
One type of partnership has been getting a lot of buzz lately — NBA jersey patch sponsors.
With brands spanning various industries eager to harness the NBA's unparalleled reach, we looked at some of the latest jersey patch deals to uncover some (potentially unexpected) sponsorship categories.
A Digital Content Creator
Earlier this month, YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, dipped his toes into the NBA sponsorship pool with Feastables — his snacks company — by becoming the Charlotte Hornets’s official jersey patch partner for the 2023–2024 season.
MrBeast’s move underscores that brands beyond the traditional type can also step into the court and make a sponsorship play.
Feastables' venture into this uncharted territory highlights the potential for alternative brands to connect with diverse audiences through unexpected collaborations, bringing an element of surprise, excitement, and novelty to the sponsorship game.
A Champion-Backer
Alternatively, cash-back rewards provider Ibotta recently secured its spot on the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets' jerseys as the official patch sponsor in a three-season deal that includes placement on game and practice jerseys, in-arena signage, social media assets, and community activations.
Naturally, the reigning champions will get higher media coverage this season, helping Ibotta to push its brand awareness by aligning it with the Nuggets’ popularity, but Ibotta's move also underscores the potential for brands outside the sports realm to make a splash in the world of basketball.
A Sphere of Entertainment
This week, Sphere Entertainment — considered one of the innovative venue highlights of 2023 — took the spotlight as the newest New York Knicks's official jersey patch partner.
While both brands have the same ownership, this strategic alignment within the MSG Sports family underscores the symbiotic relationship between sports and entertainment, creating a synergy beyond the traditional sponsorship boundaries.
As the NBA continues translating attention into dynamic advertising opportunities, Sphere Entertainment's presence on the Knicks' jerseys signals a new era of innovative partnerships within the world of sports and entertainment.
Spotlight on the Patchless
While some NBA teams proudly showcase their patch sponsors, a few are still looking for the right fit.
Source: SBJ
The current patchless teams present a unique opportunity for brands to step onto the court and strategically evaluate which team aligns best with their target audience and marketing objectives.
Navigating the NBA Sponsorship Landscape
To evaluate sponsorship opportunities, looking at purchase behavior among engaged demographics is vital to uncover what could be some of the best yet counterintuitive or up-and-coming sponsorship opportunities.
For example, SponsorPulse data reveals a goldmine of engaged demographics—users from OTT and digital streaming platforms like ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, DAZN, NFL Game Pass, and MLB TV are among the most ardent followers of the NBA.
This insight could allow brands to align with these platforms and tap into a dedicated audience that actively consumes NBA content.
Exploring partnerships within OTT and digital streaming platforms could be the game-changer for brands seeking untapped markets.
The data suggests that the reach extends beyond traditional channels, providing an avenue for innovative and strategic collaborations.
Find Your Next NBA Sponsorship Opportunities
As the NBA jersey patch sponsorship landscape evolves, brands can break away from convention and explore untapped territories.
Analyzing data-driven insights, understanding engaged demographics, and monitoring emerging trends are vital to better sponsorship decisions.
The SponsorPulse team put together the NBA Impact Report with priceless insights to help brands navigate the dynamic landscape of basketball sponsorships and make strategic decisions aligned with their marketing goals.
To dive deeper into the world of NBA sponsorships and uncover opportunities for your brand, download the latest NBA Impact Report from SponsorPulse.
Get your report here.
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