A few weeks ago, all appeared to be set for the National Basketball Association (NBA) as it headed towards the start of the 2019/20 season, with all the major storylines focusing on sporting issues. Then, on 4th October, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet with an image supporting the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement and the world seemed to collapse around the league.
Back in May, Ampere Analysis named the NBA as the most popular sports league in China, but now that status looks to be up for debate after authorities in China – for so long the country marked as the biggest target market for league growth – took umbrage at Morey's tweet.
On the eve of the new season all of the Chinese companies associated with the NBA had suspended ties and uncertainty hangs over the US$1.5 billion broadcast deal signed with Tencent back in June. That deal had been the league’s major offseason achievement.
The timing could not have been worse, with the league set to play pre-season exhibition games in Shanghai and Shenzhen featuring LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the league’s marquee franchise, and the Brooklyn Nets, a team just bought outright by Chinese-American billionaire Joe Tsai.
Adam Silver, regularly cited as the example to follow for other major league commissioners, admitted the fiasco had seen the NBA accrue “substantial” losses. Silver came under fire for an initially muddled approach to managing the crisis, as the NBA initially tried to placate China and back Morey. In his most recent comments Silver appears to have accepted that maintaining the league’s position on social issues will have implications on the NBA’s commercial ambitions in China.
Morey also remains in a job despite pressure from the Chinese government to get him sacked. However, Xi Jinping and company were not the only third parties questioning his judgement.
James, a standard bearer for the league on social issues, said upon his return to the US: “I think when we all sit back and learn from the situation that happened, understand that what you could tweet or could say (could affect people).
“We all talk about this freedom of speech. Yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others, and you’re only thinking about yourself.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke, and so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and what we say, and what we do. Even though yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that too.”
The 34-year-old later clarified on Twitter that he was not attempting to limit Morey’s right to free speech.
Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 15, 2019
Now the NBA will be hoping that resumption of competitive basketball sees the focus shift away from Far East relations. Outside of China, Asian growth is actually looking promising. Japanese ecommerce giant Rakuten has deepened its ties to the league, recently announcing a new dedicated NBA over-the-top (OTT) platform to house its League Pass offering. In India, there are rumblings of an NBA-backed league after the country staged a couple of successful pre-season games for the first time earlier this month.
The testbed for that Indian concept will come in Africa where the Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced the seven host cities for its inaugural season starting in March 2020. Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Rabat (Morocco) and either Monastir or Tunis (Tunisia) will host games, with Kigali (Rwanda) staging the BAL Final Four and Final.
This year will also see the regular season NBA Global Game move from London to Paris as the league eyes further European growth. A record 48 games will air in primetime across Europe and MENA regions, with slots on both Saturdays and Sundays for the first time. Elsewhere on the broadcast front new rights deals in Italy, Australia, Brazil, Singapore and the Balkans have all been secured.
Commercially, the NBA has continued to add deals with betting operators and an uptick in franchises agreeing overseas partnerships is expected due to the expansion of the league’s global marketing initiative for this season – the Washington Wizards have already signed a deal with Japanese conglomerate NEC. Meanwhile, the Summer League has been used as a testing ground for 5G live game production and a number of other key technology deals have been agreed, including a renewal with NextVR.
On the court, the ‘Summer of Player Empowerment’ has seen the league shaken up. James was joined at the Lakers by Anthony Davis; Kyrie Irving and an injured Kevin Durant joined the Nets; Kawhi Leonard persuaded Paul George to ditch Oklahoma City Thunder to join him at the LA Clippers, with the 2019 finals MVP himself having waved goodbye to the reigning champion Toronto Raptors; in Houston, James Harden was reunited with Russell Westbrook in a deal that saw Chris Paul move to the Thunder; Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks got worse; and, finally, rookie sensation Zion Williamson was picked by the New Orleans Pelicans.
What does this all mean? Ultimately, the start of the new season looks very intriguing but people in China might not be able to see it and the league is out a significant revenue stream.
Teams
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks
Principal owner: Tony Ressler
Chief executive: Steve Koonin
Home venue: State Farm Arena (16,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$8.75 million a year, deal signed 2018, expires 2038.
Jersey patch sponsor: Sharecare (worth between US$2.5 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2022).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports South (TV), WZGC (radio).
What they have been up to: Earlier this month, the Hawks secured a multi-year, seven-figure partnership renewal with Delta Air Lines that now features naming rights to courtside club, State Farm Arena’s most exclusive hospitality area. The renovated premiere suite has been renamed the Delta SKY360° Club.
Boston Celtics
Principal owner and chief executive: Wyc Grousbeck
Home venue: TD Garden (18,624)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year but owned by Delaware North. Deal signed in 2005, expires 2025.
Jersey patch sponsor: General Electric (US$7 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Boston (TV), WBZ-FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The offseason saw the Celtics officially announce the purchase of their long-time G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, formalising a relationship that has existed between the two parties since the latter’s inaugural season in 2009/10. The deal sees the Celtics take control of the team’s business dealings having managed the basketball operations since 2012.
There was also talk that the Boston franchise was seeking to replace their jersey patch partnership with General Electric (GE) a year early. On the eve of the new season the contract remains in place but at US$7 million a year, the value of the deal does not place the Celtics in the upper echelons of the jersey patch sponsorship table. The top ten patch deals are worth around, or north of, US$10 million a season.
Brooklyn Nets
Owner: Joe Tsai
Chief executive: David Levy
Home venue: Barclays Center (17,732)
Arena naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, signed 2012, expires 2032.
Jersey patch sponsor: Infor (US$8 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: YES Network (cable TV), WPIX (FTA TV), WFAN (radio).
What they have been up to: Arguably the franchise who undertook the biggest overhaul this offseason, the Nets have a new owner and renewed title ambitions having signed All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Joe Tsai completed his US$3.5 billion deal to take over both the Nets and the Barclays Center from Mikhail Prokhorov in August with the franchise on the up after securing two marquee players in free agency. Former Turner president David Levy has arrived as chief executive and the franchise are reportedly looking into reviewing their local broadcast deal with the YES Network as they seek digital growth.
Charlotte Hornets
Principal owner: Michael Jordan
Vice chairman: Curtis Polk
Home venue: Spectrum Center (19,077)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$5 million a year, deal signed 2008, expires 2028.
Jersey patch sponsor: LendingTree (worth between US$4 million and 4.5 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Carolinas, Fox Sports Southeast (TV), WFNZ (radio).
What they have been up to: Majority owner Michael Jordan has sold a minority stake in the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin, founder of Melvin Capital, and Daniel Sundheim, founder of D1 Capital, who join Hornets Sports and Entertainment (HSE) as partners. The Charlotte Observer described the stake as ‘a large piece’ of the franchise, although Jordan retains control. More importantly, Chick-fil-A has become the Hornets’ ‘exclusive chicken sandwich and chicken nuggets partner’.
Chicago Bulls
Principal owner and chairman: Jerry Reinsdorf
Home venue: United Center (20,917)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$5 million a year, deal signed 2013, expires 2034.
Jersey patch sponsor: Zenni Optical (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2023).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Chicago (TV), WFNZ (radio).
What they have been up to: The Bulls are one of many US major league franchises falling victim to cable carriage disputes. Having re-signed their local broadcast deal with NBC Sports Chicago back in January, the Bulls will now see their games blacked out on the Dish network and its streaming service Sling as part of the dispute between NBC and the cable company.
On a more positive note, the Bulls and LOUD Capital, an early-stage alternative investment venture capital firm, recently launched a pitch challenge to provide a platform for startup entrepreneurs seeking the opportunity to prove the worth of their business idea and value to the Chicago community.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Principal owner: Dan Gilbert
Chief executive: Len Komoroski
Home venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (19,432)
Arena naming rights deal: Partnership with owner’s company and secured as part of 2005 acquisition and estimated at around US$3 million a year. The deal was extended in 2018 with the venue switching from the Quicken Loans Arena to its new title from this season.
Jersey patch sponsor: Goodyear (more than US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Ohio (TV), WTAM, WMMS (radio).
What they have been up to: The renamed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse opened to the public in late September after the US$185 million renovation project on the venue formerly known as the Quicken Loans Arena. The venue’s interior bowl has been redone and court has been relayed and ceiling heightened, alongside plenty of other infrastructure changes. Technology upgrades include new LED screens, advanced surround-sound audio and expanded WiFi access. Suites and premium spaces have been overhauled, with new seating arrangements and private bars. The venue has also introduced a ‘grab and go’ concessions area.
Detroit Pistons
Principal owner: Tom Gores
Vice chairman: Arn Tellem
Home venue: Little Caesars Arena (20,491)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$6.25 million a year, deal signed 2017, expires 2037. Venue managed by 313 Presents, a joint venture between Palace Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Pistons, and Olympia Entertainment, the parent company of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Detroit Red Wings.
Jersey patch sponsor: Flagstar Bank (between US$5 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Detroit (TV), WXYT (radio).
What they have been up to: Earlier this month, the Pistons opened the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, a US$90 million state-of-the-art training complex and corporate headquarters. The new 185,000 square-foot facility is the largest of its kind in the NBA and sees the franchise return to downtown Detroit after four decades in the suburbs of Auburn Hills. The team also committed to refurbishing 60 basketball courts in Detroit neighbourhoods. The complex houses courts, lockers, a dining lounge, training areas, space for business and community events, and the NBA team's corporate offices.
Indiana Pacers
Principal owner and chief executive: Herbert Simon
Home venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse (17,923)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2 million a year, expired in July 2019, but name retained until new deal is found.
Jersey patch sponsor: Motorola (between US$8 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Indiana (TV), WFNI (radio).
What they have been up to: Despite the 20-year naming rights deal with CNO Financial Group expiring at the end of June, the Indiana Pacers’ home will continue to be called Bankers Life Fieldhouse until a new partner can be found. Hope in that area comes with a deal announced in April that saw Indiana’s Capital Improvement Board agree with the Pacers that the city would provide US$295 million in improvements to the venue and also US$362 million in maintenance fees over 25 years.
Miami Heat
Owner: Micky Arison
Chief executive: Nick Arison
Home venue: American Airlines Arena (19,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2.1 million a year from 1999, expires 2019.
Jersey patch sponsor: Ultimate Software (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Sun (TV), WAXY (radio).
What they have been up to: Finding a new arena naming rights partner has been high on the agenda for the Heat after it was revealed that American Airlines would not be renewing the 20-year deal it signed when the team’s downtown venue first opened. Ed Marquez, the deputy mayor of Miami-Dade County, confirmed to local reporters in September that the world’s largest airline would not be continuing its association with the team beyond 2019, adding that at least one “nationally renowned company” was in advanced talks to take on the naming rights to the arena when the current contract expires.
Milwaukee Bucks
Owners: Wes Edens and Marc Lasry
President: Peter Feigin
Home venue: Fiserv Forum (17,300)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year from 2018, expires 2043.
Jersey patch sponsor: Harley-Davidson (value unreported, signed 2017, multi-year deal).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Wisconsin (TV), WTMJ (radio).
What they have been up to: As well as establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the league, the Bucks have been getting to work on the next phase of the Fiserv Forum development after moving into their new home at the start of the 2018/19 season. According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, the franchise is close to finalising agreements with the companies that will develop two hotels on land they own near their home arena. The plans also include apartment blocks, housing, offices, dining, retail space and a two-level cinema.
New York Knicks
Owner: James Dolan
President: Steve Mills
Home venue: Madison Square Garden (19,800)
Arena naming rights deal: N/A.
Jersey patch sponsor: Squarespace (US$12 million to US$14 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: MSG Network (TV), 98.7 ESPN New York (radio).
What they have been up to: James Dolan has once again been the talk of the Big Apple, but again it is for the wrong reasons. The much-maligned owner of the Knicks sent hearts racing last year when the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) set the wheels in motion to create two separate businesses to manage its sport and entertainment assets, potentially paving the way for the NBA franchise to change hands. One year later, however, there have been little to no rumblings of a spin off being confirmed, while the Knicks also missed out on signing high-profile free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Throw in the fact that Dolan said in March that he has no plans to sell the team and any suggestions that the 64-year-old would soon part ways with the franchise look to be increasingly premature.
Orlando Magic
Owner: RDV Sports Inc
President: Alex Martins
Home venue: Amway Center (18,800)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year from 2010, expires 2020.
Jersey patch sponsor: Walt Disney World Resort (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Florida (cable), WYGM (radio), WNUE-FM (Spanish radio).
What they have been up to: This year’s NBA Draft saw the Magic become the first franchise to utilise sports data company STATS’ new artificial intelligence platform to help them make their picks. AutoSTATS produced data that the club could access to analyse and evaluate players coming out of college in the hope of making better informed selections. With that in mind, it will be worth following the performances of the likes of Chuma Okeke – who will play in the G League this season before signing his rookie contract next year after sustaining an injury – to decide whether the tracking platform will give the Magic an edge in future NBA Drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers
Owner: Joshua Harris and David Blitzer
Chief executive: Scott O’Neil
Home venue: Wells Fargo Center
Arena naming rights deal: US$1.38 million a year, signed 1994, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: StubHub (US$5 million a year, signed 2016, activated 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Philadelphia (cable), WPEN (radio).
What they have been up to: Harris and Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the company that owns the 76ers, has been making major moves in the world of gaming. June saw HBSE confirm that they had completed the purchase of Clutch Gaming, the esports team owned by the Houston Rockets, and planned to merge the organisation with its own esports outfit, Dignitas. A few weeks later HBSE opened the doors to a new esports content production hub adjacent to Prudential Center in New Jersey, home to HBSE’s other major league franchise, the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New Jersey Devils.
Toronto Raptors
Owner: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
President and chief executive: Richard Peddie
Home venue: Scotiabank Arena (19,800)
Arena naming rights deal: CAD$40 million (US$30 million) a year, signed 2018, expires 2038. Venue owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and shared with Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jersey patch sponsor: Sun Life Financial (‘More than CAD$5 million a year’, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: TSN and Sportsnet (cable), CHUM and CJCL (radio).
What they have been up to: The Raptors’ unlikely run to their first NBA title is set to be the subject of a new movie due to be released on 22nd October. Cinedigm, which is producing the documentary alongside NBA Entertainment, has promised that the film will feature never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews chronicling the team’s 2018/19 season. Unsurprisingly, the Raptors’ first championship win also broke merchandise records, with the Athletic reporting in June that post-championship sales on NBAStore.com and NBAStore.ca were up 80 per cent over the previous record and 100 per cent from last year, when the Golden State Warriors claimed the title.
Washington Wizards
Owner: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Managing partner: Ted Leonsis
Home venue: Capital One Arena (20,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, signed 2018, expires 2028.
Jersey patch sponsor: Geico (value unreported, signed 2018, length unreported).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Washington (cable), WFED (radio).
What they have been up to: The Wizards are cashing in on the fledgeling US sports betting market by making Capital One Arena the first US professional sports venue in the country to have its own sportsbook. MSE confirmed the long-rumoured move in partnership with William Hill back in October, also naming the gambling firm as the exclusive sports betting partner of all major league teams in its portfolio. Besides that, the Wizards also recently took advantage of the NBA’s new global marketing initiative to partner with Japan’s NEC Corporation as they look to capitalise on the growing popularity of their Japanese rookie forward Rui Hachimura.
Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Owner: Mark Cuban
Chief executive: Cynthia Marshall
Home venue: American Airlines Center (19,200)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6.5 million a year, signed 1999, expires 2030.
Jersey patch sponsor: N/A.
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (cable TV), ESPN 103.3 FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The Mavericks recently partnered with the Carbonfund.org Foundation as part of a pledge to offset their corporate travel carbon emissions but their major off-court move came with the decision in August to end their US$5 million a year jersey patch deal with locally-based marketplace platform, 5miles, a year early. The franchise are seeking a deal that places them higher up the sponsorship table in that category.
Denver Nuggets
Owner: Ann Walton Kroenke (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment)
President and governor: Josh Kroenke
Home venue: Pepsi Center (19,520)
Arena naming rights deal: US$3.4 million a year, extension signed 2019, expires 2020.
Jersey patch sponsor: Western Union (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Altitude Sports (TV and radio).
What they have been up to: The Nuggets, along with National Hockey League (NHL) franchise Colorado Avalanche, are set to stay in Denver until at least 2040 after owners KSE reached a tentative agreement with the city and county. The existing agreement for both teams to play at the Pepsi Center had been due to end in 2023. Earlier this month, the soft drinks giant also extended its naming rights deal with Denver venue for one more year.
Golden State Warriors
Owner: Joe Lacob (majority)
Executive director: Eric Bresler
Home venue: Chase Center (18,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$15 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2039.
Jersey patch sponsor: Rakuten (US$20 million a year).
Local broadcasters: NBCS (TV), 95.7 The Game (radio).
What they have been up to: As well as the lucrative naming rights deal for the Warriors new Chase Center home, the franchise also recently struck a deal with Biofreeze, which sees the pain relief brand secure naming rights to the franchise’s new training facility. The season’s tip-off marks the Warriors first since crossing the bay from Oakland into San Francisco.
Houston Rockets
Owner: Tilman Fertitta
Chief executive: Tad Brown
Home venue: Toyota Center (18,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4.75 million a year, signed 2003, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Rokit Phones (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (TV), SportsTalk 790 AM (radio).
What they have been up to: The franchise has lost a number of commercial partners in China after general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Prior to Morey’s league changing intervention, the Rockets were one of the most popular teams in China as a result of Yao Ming’s career in Houston.
Los Angeles Clippers
Owner: Steve Ballmer
President: Lawrence Frank
Home venue: Staples Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$5.8 million per season, ‘lifetime’ deal signed in 2009 by venue owner AEG.
Jersey patch sponsor: Bumble (US$20 million total value, signed March 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket (TV).
What they have been up to: The Clippers have unveiled renderings for their new US$1 billion sports and entertainment centre in Inglewood. The new facility will include solar power capabilities, with the Clippers aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offset credits and sustainable design features. However, the franchise is still facing an uphill battle to get the venue built with local government roadblocks and a legal challenge from the Madison Square Garden Company, which owns the competing Forum, standing in the way.
Los Angeles Lakers
Owner: Buss Family Trusts (majority)
Controlling owner and president: Jeanie Buss
Home venue: Staples Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$5.8 million per season, ‘lifetime’ deal signed in 2009 by venue owner AEG.
Jersey patch sponsor: Wish (US$12 million to US$14 million a year).
Local broadcasters: Spectrum Sportsnet (TV), KSPN 710 AM (radio).
What they have been up to: Despite having failed to make the play-offs since 2013, the Lakers along with star player LeBron James, secured top spots on the NBA’s most popular team and jersey merchandise lists last season, with the 34-year-old’s arrival serving as a commercial boom for the franchise.
Memphis Grizzlies
Owner: Robert Pera
Executive director: Joe Abadi
Home venue: FedExForum (18,100)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4.09 million per season, signed 2002, expires 2024.
Jersey patch sponsor: FedEx (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (TV), WMFS-FM (radio).
What they have been up to: After missing out on the play-offs for a second straight season, the Grizzlies have shaken up their front office, firing head coach JB Bickerstaff and reassigning Chris Wallace from general manager to a scouting role, replacing them with Taylor Jenkins and Zachary Kleiman respectively.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Owner: Glen Taylor
Chief executive: Ethan Casson
Home venue: Target Center (18,700)
Arena naming rights deal: Unreported, first signed 1990, extended in 2005, 2011 and 2015. Original contract worth US$1.5 million per season
Jersey patch sponsor: Fitbit (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020)
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports North (TV) WCCO-AM 830 (radio)
What they have been up to: It has been a quiet off-season in Minnesota, the Timberwolves and Lynx named David King as the organisation’s vice president of corporate partnerships. King will oversee the partnership sales and activation areas across the portfolio of franchises including the Timberwolves, Lynx and T-Wolves Gaming.
New Orleans Pelicans
Owner: Gayle Benson
President: Dennis Lauscha
Home venue: Smoothie King Center (16,867)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year, signed 2014, expires 2024.
Jersey patch sponsor: Zatarain (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports New Orleans (TV), News Talk 99.5FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The NBA’s number one draft pick has dominated the Pelicans’ headlines this off-season, Zion Williamson’s arrival in New Orleans the team have sold more than 12,000 season-ticket equivalents for the 2019/20 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Owner: Professional Basketball Club (Clay Bennett, chairman)
Chief administrative officer: Danny Barth
Home venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
Arena naming rights deal: US$3 million a year, subject to 3% annual increase, signed 2011, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, US$10 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2023.
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Oklahoma (TV), WWLS-The Sports Animal (radio), ESPN Radio Oklahoma City (radio), 930AM (Spanish radio).
What they have been up to: Replacing Thunder veteran Russell Westbrook was the priority on-court during the off-season, and the franchise seems to have found a promising substitute in young point-guard Shai Gilgrous-Alexander. For the new 2019/20 season, fans will also be treated to new renovations at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, with substantial upgrades to the building and concourse forming part of Oklahoma City’s Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS).
Phoenix Suns
Owner: Robert Sarver
Chief executive: Jason Rowley
Home venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena (18,422)
Arena naming rights deal: Value unreported, signed 2015, length unreported.
Jersey patch sponsor: PayPal (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Arizona (TV), Arizona Sports (radio).
What they have been up to: The Suns recently penned a multi-year partnership with FirstBank, one of the largest privately held banks in the US. The deal saw FirstBank gain a branding on the redesigned a premium seating terrace at Talking Stick Resort Arena, featuring theatre boxes seating and other VIP provisions.
Portland Trail Blazers
Owner: Jody Allen
Chief executive: Chris McGowan
Home venue: Moda Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year, signed 2013, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Biofreeze (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Northwest (TV), Rip City Radio 620 (radio).
What they have been up to: Coming into October, the major off-field news at the Trail Blazers was the announcement by chief executive Chris McGowan that the franchise had severed its controversial partnership with the Oregon-based rifle scope manufacturer, Leupoid, following a year-long campaign by local activists unhappy with the company’s ties with the Israeli military.
Sacramento Kings
Owner and chief executive: Vivek Ranadivé
Home venue: Golden 1 Center (17,500)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year, signed 2015, expires 2035.
Jersey patch sponsor: Blue Diamond Growers (US$5 million a year, signed 2016, activated 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports California (TV), KHTK Sports Sacramento (radio).
What they have been up to: The Kings broke international ground during the summer as the California-based franchise featured in the NBA’s first-ever pre-season games held in India, as they took on the Indiana Pacers twice in Mumbai. Vivek Ranadivé, the Kings’ owner and chief executive, who was born in Mumbai, backed proposals to launch a new professional league in India alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
San Antonio Spurs
Owner: Spurs Sports & Entertainment (Robert Canterbury Buford is chief executive)
Chief executive: Julianna Holt
Home venue: AT&T Center (18,418)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2.05 million a year, signed 2002, expires 2022.
Jersey patch sponsor: Frost Bank (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (TV), Spurs Radio (radio).
What they have been up to: Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the NBA franchise’s owner, has restructured its hierarchy, with Robert Canterbury Buford replacing Rick Pych, who had been SSE’s president and co-chief executive since 2016. It is not yet known how this will impact San Antonio.
Utah Jazz
Owner: Gail Miller
Chief executive: Steve Starks (Larry H. Miller Group)
Home venue: Vivint Smart Home Arena (19,900)
Arena naming rights deal: Value unreported, signed 2016, expires 2026.
Jersey patch sponsor: Qualtrics, US$4 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020.
Local broadcasters: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (TV), The Zone Sports Network (radio).
What they have been up to: Jazz centre Rudy Gobert became the latest investor in the global esports organisation ReKTGlobal, and will help the growth and expansion of the group and its parent company, Rogue. Though a personal investment, the move could be significant in raising the profile of the Jazz within the gaming community, as the French basketball player joins a host of other high-profile investors in the company. Meanwhile, Jazz owners, the Larry H. Miller Group, promoted former executive vice president Jim Olson to president; taking place of Steve Starks, who became chief executive earlier in the year.
Major broadcast partners
North America
US: ESPN, ABC, Turner Sports, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, ESPN Radio
Canada: TSN, RDS, Sportsnet, NBA TV Canada
Mexico: ESPN, NBA TV International, TDN
Caribbean/Central America
Caribbean: ESPN, SportsMax, NBA TV International
Costa Rica: ESPN, NBA TV International
Dominican Republic: ESPN, CDN SportsMax, NBA TV International
El Salvador: ESPN, NBA TV International
Guatemala: ESPN, NBA TV International
Honduras: ESPN, NBA TV International
Nicaragua: ESPN, TN8
Panama: ESPN, Cable Ona Sports, NBA TV International
Puerto Rico: ABC, ESPN, WAPA 2 Deportes, Turner Sports, NBA TV
South America
Argentina: ESPN, DirecTV, NBA TV International
Bolivia: ESPN
Brazil: ESPN, SporTV, Vivo TV, Bandeirantes
Chile: ESPN, DirecTV
Colombia: ESPN, DirecTV
Ecuador: ESPN, DirecTV
Guyana: ESPN, SportsMax, NBA TV International
Paraguay: ESPN
Peru: ESPN, DirecTV
Suriname: ESPN, SportsMax, SCCN, NBA TV International
Uruguay: ESPN, DirecTV, NBA TV International
Venezuela: ESPN, DirecTV
Europe
Austria: DAZN, Sport1, Spox.com
Balkans: Arena Sport, Telekom Srbija (Serbia only)
Belgium: Eleven Sports
Croatia: Arena Sport
Czech Republic: Nova Sport
Denmark: TV 2 Sport
Finland: Nelonen Pro 1
France: BeIN Sports
Germany: DAZN, Sport1, NBA TV International, Spox.com
Greece: Cosmote Sport
Iceland: Stöð 2 Sport
Ireland: Sky Sports
Italy: Sky Sports
Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
Poland: Canal+ Sport
Portugal: Sport TV, NBA TV International
Romania: Telekom Sport
Russia: Viasat Sport East
Spain: Movistar+
Sweden: Sportkanalen
Switzerland: DAZN, Sport1, Spox.com
Turkey: S Sport, NBA TV International
Ukraine: Setanta Sports, Viasat Sport East
UK: Sky Sports
Middle East and North Africa
Israel: Sport 5
MENA: BeIN Sports
Sub-Saharan Africa
Excluding South Africa: CanalSat Afrique, Kwesé Sports, NBA TV International
South Africa: Kwesé Sports
Asia-Pacific
Central Asia: Setanta Sports, Viasat Sport East
Indian subcontinent: Sony Six, Sony Ten
China: CCTV, Tencent
Hong Kong: Sports 2 World, ViuTV, Migu, NBA TV International
Indonesia: Indosiar (finals only), O Channel (regular season, conference finals), NBA TV International
Japan: Rakuten NBA Special
Malaysia: Astro SuperSport
Singapore: Starhub
South Korea: SPOTV
Philippines: N/A
Taiwan: Videoland, Elta TV, Eleven Sports
Cambodia: TrueVisions, NBA TV International
Laos: TrueVisions, NBA TV International
Thailand: TrueVisions, MONO, NBA TV International
Vietnam: VTVcab
Oceania
Australia: ESPN, SBS Viceland
New Zealand: ESPN, NBA TV International
Pacific Islands: ESPN
Papua New Guinea: ESPN
A few weeks ago, all appeared to be set for the National Basketball Association (NBA) as it headed towards the start of the 2019/20 season, with all the major storylines focusing on sporting issues. Then, on 4th October, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet with an image supporting the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement and the world seemed to collapse around the league.
Back in May, Ampere Analysis named the NBA as the most popular sports league in China, but now the Communist Party is unlikely to let that be the case going forward.
For so long the country marked as the biggest target market for league growth, China almost instantly threw its toys out of the pram. On the eve of the new season all of the Chinese companies associated with the NBA had suspended ties and uncertainty hangs over the US$1.5 billion broadcast deal signed with Tencent back in June. That deal had been the league’s major offseason achievement.
The timing could not have been worse, with the league set to play pre-season exhibition games in Shanghai and Shenzhen featuring LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the league’s marquee franchise, and the Brooklyn Nets, a team just bought outright by Chinese-American billionaire Joe Tsai.
Adam Silver, regularly cited as the example to follow for other major league commissioners, admitted the fiasco had seen the NBA accrue “substantial” losses. Silver came under fire for an initially muddled approach to managing the crisis, as the NBA initially tried to placate China and back Morey. In his most recent comments Silver appears to have accepted that maintaining the league’s position on social issues will have implications on the NBA’s commercial ambitions in China.
Morey also remains in a job despite pressure from the Chinese government to get him sacked. However, Xi Jinping and company were not the only third parties questioning his judgement.
James, a standard bearer for the league on social issues, said upon his return to the US: “I think when we all sit back and learn from the situation that happened, understand that what you could tweet or could say (could affect people).
“We all talk about this freedom of speech. Yes, we all do have freedom of speech, but at times there are ramifications for the negative that can happen when you’re not thinking about others, and you’re only thinking about yourself.
“I don’t want to get into a word or sentence feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke, and so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, but physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and what we say, and what we do. Even though yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that too.”
The 34-year-old later clarified on Twitter that he was not attempting to limit Morey’s right to free speech. ‘Let me clear up the confusion,’ he wrote. 'I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of the tweet. I’m not discussing the substance. Others can talk about that.’
‘My team and this league just went through a difficult week. I think people need to understand what a tweet or statement can do to others. And I believe nobody stopped and considered what would happen. Could have waited a week to send it.’
Now the NBA will be hoping that resumption of competitive basketball sees the focus shift away from Far East relations. Outside of China, Asian growth is actually looking promising. Japanese ecommerce giant Rakuten has deepened its ties to the league, recently announcing a new dedicated NBA over-the-top (OTT) platform to house its League Pass offering. In India, there are rumblings of an NBA-backed league after the country staged a couple of successful pre-season games for the first time earlier this month.
The testbed for that Indian concept will come in Africa where the Basketball Africa League (BAL) has announced the seven host cities for its inaugural season starting in March 2020. Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Rabat (Morocco) and either Monastir or Tunis (Tunisia) will host games, with Kigali (Rwanda) staging the BAL Final Four and Final.
This year will also see the regular season NBA Global Game move from London to Paris as the league eyes further European growth. A record 48 games will air in primetime across Europe and MENA regions, with slots on both Saturdays and Sundays for the first time. Elsewhere on the broadcast front new rights deals in Italy, Australia, Brazil, Singapore and the Balkans have all been secured.
Commercially, the NBA has continued to add deals with betting operators and an uptick in franchises agreeing overseas partnerships is expected due to the expansion of the league’s global marketing initiative for this season – the Washington Wizards have already signed a deal with Japanese conglomerate NEC. Meanwhile, the Summer League has been used as a testing ground for 5G live game production and a number of other key technology deals have been agreed, including a renewal with NextVR.
On the court, the ‘Summer of Player Empowerment’ has seen the league shaken up. James was joined at the Lakers by Anthony Davis; Kyrie Irving and an injured Kevin Durant joined the Nets; Kawhi Leonard persuaded Paul George to ditch Oklahoma City Thunder to join him at the LA Clippers, with the 2019 finals MVP himself having waved goodbye to the reigning champion Toronto Raptors; in Houston, James Harden was reunited with Russell Westbrook in a deal that saw Chris Paul move to the Thunder; Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks got worse; and, finally, rookie sensation Zion Williamson was picked by the New Orleans Pelicans.
What does this all mean? Ultimately, the start of the new season looks very intriguing but people in China might not be able to see it and the league is out a significant revenue stream.
Teams
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks
Principal owner: Tony Ressler
Chief executive: Steve Koonin
Home venue: State Farm Arena (16,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$8.75 million a year, deal signed 2018, expires 2038.
Jersey patch sponsor: Sharecare (worth between US$2.5 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2022).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports South (TV), WZGC (radio).
What they have been up to: Earlier this month, the Hawks secured a multi-year, seven-figure partnership renewal with Delta Air Lines that now features naming rights to courtside club, State Farm Arena’s most exclusive hospitality area. The renovated premiere suite has been renamed the Delta SKY360° Club.
Principal owner and chief executive: Wyc Grousbeck
Home venue: TD Garden (18,624)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year but owned by Delaware North. Deal signed in 2005, expires 2025.
Jersey patch sponsor: General Electric (US$7 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Boston (TV), WBZ-FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The offseason saw the Celtics officially announce the purchase of their long-time G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, formalising a relationship that has existed between the two parties since the latter’s inaugural season in 2009/10. The deal sees the Celtics take control of the team’s business dealings having managed the basketball operations since 2012.
There was also talk that the Boston franchise was seeking to replace their jersey patch partnership with General Electric (GE) a year early. On the eve of the new season the contract remains in place but at US$7 million a year, the value of the deal does not place the Celtics in the upper echelons of the jersey patch sponsorship table. The top ten patch deals are worth around, or north of, US$10 million a season.
Brooklyn Nets
Owner: Joe Tsai
Chief executive: David Levy
Home venue: Barclays Center (17,732)
Arena naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, signed 2012, expires 2032.
Jersey patch sponsor: Infor (US$8 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: YES Network (cable TV), WPIX (FTA TV), WFAN (radio).
What they have been up to: Arguably the franchise who undertook the biggest overhaul this offseason, the Nets have a new owner and renewed title ambitions having signed All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Joe Tsai completed his US$3.5 billion deal to take over both the Nets and the Barclays Center from Mikhail Prokhorov in August with the franchise on the up after securing two marquee players in free agency. Former Turner president David Levy has arrived as chief executive and the franchise are reportedly looking into reviewing their local broadcast deal with the YES Network as they seek digital growth.
Principal owner: Michael Jordan
Vice chairman: Curtis Polk
Home venue: Spectrum Center (19,077)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$5 million a year, deal signed 2008, expires 2028.
Jersey patch sponsor: LendingTree (worth between US$5 million and US$7 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Carolinas, Fox Sports Southeast (TV), WFNZ (radio).
What they have been up to: Majority owner Michael Jordan has sold a minority stake in the Hornets to Gabe Plotkin, founder of Melvin Capital, and Daniel Sundheim, founder of D1 Capital, who join Hornets Sports and Entertainment (HSE) as partners. The Charlotte Observer described the stake as ‘a large piece’ of the franchise, although Jordan retains control. More importantly, Chick-fil-A has become the Hornets’ ‘exclusive chicken sandwich and chicken nuggets partner’.
Principal owner and chairman: Jerry Reinsdorf
Home venue: United Center (20,917)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$5 million a year, deal signed 2013, expires 2034.
Jersey patch sponsor: Zenni Optical (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2023).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Chicago (TV), WFNZ (radio).
What they have been up to: The Bulls are one of many US major league franchises falling victim to cable carriage disputes. Having re-signed their local broadcast deal with NBC Sports Chicago back in January, the Bulls will now see their games blacked out on the Dish network and its streaming service Sling as part of the dispute between NBC and the cable company.
On a more positive note, the Bulls and LOUD Capital, an early-stage alternative investment venture capital firm, recently launched a pitch challenge to provide a platform for startup entrepreneurs seeking the opportunity to prove the worth of their business idea and value to the Chicago community.
Principal owner: Dan Gilbert
Chief executive: Len Komoroski
Home venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (19,432)
Arena naming rights deal: Partnership with owner’s company and secured as part of 2005 acquisition and estimated at around US$3 million a year. The deal was extended in 2018 with the venue switching from the Quicken Loans Arena to its new title from this season.
Jersey patch sponsor: Goodyear (more than US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Ohio (TV), WTAM, WMMS (radio).
What they have been up to: The renamed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse opened to the public in late September after the US$185 million renovation project on the venue formerly known as the Quicken Loans Arena. The venue’s interior bowl has been redone and court has been relayed and ceiling heightened, alongside plenty of other infrastructure changes. Technology upgrades include new LED screens, advanced surround-sound audio and expanded WiFi access. Suites and premium spaces have been overhauled, with new seating arrangements and private bars. The venue has also introduced a ‘grab and go’ concessions area.
Detroit Pistons
Principal owner: Tom Gores
Vice chairman: Arn Tellem
Home venue: Little Caesars Arena (20,491)
Arena naming rights deal: More than US$6.25 million a year, deal signed 2017, expires 2037. Venue managed by 313 Presents, a joint venture between Palace Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the Pistons, and Olympia Entertainment, the parent company of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Detroit Red Wings.
Jersey patch sponsor: Flagstar Bank (between US$5 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Detroit (TV), WXYT (radio).
What they have been up to: Earlier this month, the Pistons opened the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, a US$90 million state-of-the-art training complex and corporate headquarters. The new 185,000 square-foot facility is the largest of its kind in the NBA and sees the franchise return to downtown Detroit after four decades in the suburbs of Auburn Hills. The team also committed to refurbishing 60 basketball courts in Detroit neighbourhoods. The complex houses courts, lockers, a dining lounge, training areas, space for business and community events, and the NBA team's corporate offices.
Indiana Pacers
Principal owner and chief executive: Herbert Simon
Home venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse (17,923)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2 million a year, expired in July 2019, but name retained until new deal is found.
Jersey patch sponsor: Motorola (between US$8 million and US$10 million a year, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Indiana (TV), WFNI (radio).
What they have been up to: Despite the 20-year naming rights deal with CNO Financial Group expiring at the end of June, the Indiana Pacers’ home will continue to be called Bankers Life Fieldhouse until a new partner can be found. Hope in that area comes with a deal announced in April that saw Indiana’s Capital Improvement Board agree with the Pacers that the city would provide US$295 million in improvements to the venue and also US$362 million in maintenance fees over 25 years.
Owner: Micky Arison
Chief executive: Nick Arison
Home venue: American Airlines Arena (19,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2.1 million a year from 1999, expires 2019.
Jersey patch sponsor: Ultimate Software (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Sun (TV), WAXY (radio).
What they have been up to: Finding a new arena naming rights partner has been high on the agenda for the Heat after it was revealed that American Airlines would not be renewing the 20-year deal it signed when the team’s downtown venue first opened. Ed Marquez, the deputy mayor of Miami-Dade County, confirmed to local reporters in September that the world’s largest airline would not be continuing its association with the team beyond 2019, adding that at least one “nationally renowned company” was in advanced talks to take on the naming rights to the arena when the current contract expires.
Milwaukee Bucks
Owners: Wes Edens and Marc Lasry
President: Peter Feigin
Home venue: Fiserv Forum (17,300)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year from 2018, expires 2043.
Jersey patch sponsor: Harley-Davidson (value unreported, signed 2017, multi-year deal).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Wisconsin (TV), WTMJ (radio).
What they have been up to: As well as establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the league, the Bucks have been getting to work on the next phase of the Fiserv Forum development after moving into their new home at the start of the 2018/19 season. According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, the franchise is close to finalising agreements with the companies that will develop two hotels on land they own near their home arena. The plans also include apartment blocks, housing, offices, dining, retail space and a two-level cinema.
Owner: James Dolan
President: Steve Mills
Home venue: Madison Square Garden (19,800)
Arena naming rights deal: N/A.
Jersey patch sponsor: Squarespace (US$12 million to US$14 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: MSG Network (TV), 98.7 ESPN New York (radio).
What they have been up to: James Dolan has once again been the talk of the Big Apple, but again it is for the wrong reasons. The much-maligned owner of the Knicks sent hearts racing last year when the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) set the wheels in motion to create two separate businesses to manage its sport and entertainment assets, potentially paving the way for the NBA franchise to change hands. One year later, however, there have been little to no rumblings of a spin off being confirmed, while the Knicks also missed out on signing high-profile free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Throw in the fact that Dolan said in March that he has no plans to sell the team and any suggestions that the 64-year-old would soon part ways with the franchise look to be increasingly premature.
Owner: RDV Sports Inc
President: Alex Martins
Home venue: Amway Center (18,800)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year from 2010, expires 2020.
Jersey patch sponsor: Walt Disney World Resort (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Florida (cable), WYGM (radio), WNUE-FM (Spanish radio).
What they have been up to: This year’s NBA Draft saw the Magic become the first franchise to utilise sports data company STATS’ new artificial intelligence platform to help them make their picks. AutoSTATS produced data that the club could access to analyse and evaluate players coming out of college in the hope of making better informed selections. With that in mind, it will be worth following the performances of the likes of Chuma Okeke – who will play in the G League this season before signing his rookie contract next year after sustaining an injury – to decide whether the tracking platform will give the Magic an edge in future NBA Drafts.
Owner: Joshua Harris and David Blitzer
Chief executive: Scott O’Neil
Home venue: Wells Fargo Center
Arena naming rights deal: US$1.38 million a year, signed 1994, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: StubHub (US$5 million a year, signed 2016, activated 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Philadelphia (cable), WPEN (radio).
What they have been up to: Harris and Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the company that owns the 76ers, has been making major moves in the world of gaming. June saw HBSE confirm that they had completed the purchase of Clutch Gaming, the esports team owned by the Houston Rockets, and planned to merge the organisation with its own esports outfit, Dignitas. A few weeks later HBSE opened the doors to a new esports content production hub adjacent to Prudential Center in New Jersey, home to HBSE’s other major league franchise, the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New Jersey Devils.
Toronto Raptors
Owner: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
President and chief executive: Richard Peddie
Home venue: Scotiabank Arena (19,800)
Arena naming rights deal: CAD$40 million (US$30 million) a year, signed 2018, expires 2038. Venue owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and shared with Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jersey patch sponsor: Sun Life Financial (‘More than CAD$5 million a year’, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: TSN and Sportsnet (cable), CHUM and CJCL (radio).
What they have been up to: The Raptors’ unlikely run to their first NBA title is set to be the subject of a new movie due to be released on 22nd October. Cinedigm, which is producing the documentary alongside NBA Entertainment, has promised that the film will feature never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews chronicling the team’s 2018/19 season. Unsurprisingly, the Raptors’ first championship win also broke merchandise records, with the Athletic reporting in June that post-championship sales on NBAStore.com and NBAStore.ca were up 80 per cent over the previous record and 100 per cent from last year, when the Golden State Warriors claimed the title.
Washington Wizards
Owner: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Managing partner: Ted Leonsis
Home venue: Capital One Arena (20,600)
Arena naming rights deal: US$10 million a year, signed 2018, expires 2028.
Jersey patch sponsor: Geico (value unreported, signed 2018, length unreported).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Washington (cable), WFED (radio).
What they have been up to: The Wizards are cashing in on the fledgeling US sports betting market by making Capital One Arena the first US professional sports venue in the country to have its own sportsbook. MSE confirmed the long-rumoured move in partnership with William Hill back in October, also naming the gambling firm as the exclusive sports betting partner of all major league teams in its portfolio. Besides that, the Wizards also recently took advantage of the NBA’s new global marketing initiative to partner with Japan’s NEC Corporation as they look to capitalise on the growing popularity of their Japanese rookie forward Rui Hachimura.
Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Owner: Mark Cuban
Chief executive: Cynthia Marshall
Home venue: American Airlines Center (19,200)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6.5 million a year, signed 1999, expires 2030.
Jersey patch sponsor: N/A.
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (cable TV), ESPN 103.3 FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The Mavericks recently partnered with the Carbonfund.org Foundation as part of a pledge to offset their corporate travel carbon emissions but their major off-court move came with the decision in August to end their US$5 million a year jersey patch deal with locally-based marketplace platform, 5miles, a year early. The franchise are seeking a deal that places them higher up the sponsorship table in that category.
Owner: Ann Walton Kroenke (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment)
President and governor: Josh Kroenke
Home venue: Pepsi Center (19,520)
Arena naming rights deal: US$3.4 million a year, extension signed 2019, expires 2020.
Jersey patch sponsor: Western Union (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Altitude Sports (TV and radio).
What they have been up to: The Nuggets, along with National Hockey League (NHL) franchise Colorado Avalanche, are set to stay in Denver until at least 2040 after owners KSE reached a tentative agreement with the city and county. The existing agreement for both teams to play at the Pepsi Center had been due to end in 2023. Earlier this month, the soft drinks giant also extended its naming rights deal with Denver venue for one more year.
Golden State Warriors
Owner: Joe Lacob (majority)
Executive director: Eric Bresler
Home venue: Chase Center (18,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$15 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2039.
Jersey patch sponsor: Rakuten (US$20 million a year).
Local broadcasters: NBCS (TV), 95.7 The Game (radio).
What they have been up to: As well as the lucrative naming rights deal for the Warriors new Chase Center home, the franchise also recently struck a deal with Biofreeze, which sees the pain relief brand secure naming rights to the franchise’s new training facility. The season’s tip-off marks the Warriors first since crossing the bay from Oakland into San Francisco.
Houston Rockets
Owner: Tilman Fertitta
Chief executive: Tad Brown
Home venue: Toyota Center (18,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4.75 million a year, signed 2003, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Rokit Phones (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (TV), SportsTalk 790 AM (radio).
What they have been up to: The franchise has lost a number of commercial partners in China after general manager Daryl Morey tweeted his support for the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. Prior to Morey’s league changing intervention, the Rockets were one of the most popular teams in China as a result of Yao Ming’s career in Houston.
Owner: Steve Ballmer
President: Lawrence Frank
Home venue: Staples Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$5.8 million per season, ‘lifetime’ deal signed in 2009 by venue owner AEG.
Jersey patch sponsor: Bumble (US$20 million total value, signed March 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket (TV).
What they have been up to: The Clippers have unveiled renderings for their new US$1 billion sports and entertainment centre in Inglewood. The new facility will include solar power capabilities, with the Clippers aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offset credits and sustainable design features. However, the franchise is still facing an uphill battle to get the venue built with local government roadblocks and a legal challenge from the Madison Square Garden Company, which owns the competing Forum, standing in the way.
Los Angeles Lakers
Owner: Buss Family Trusts (majority)
Controlling owner and president: Jeanie Buss
Home venue: Staples Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$5.8 million per season, ‘lifetime’ deal signed in 2009 by venue owner AEG.
Jersey patch sponsor: Wish (US$12 million to US$14 million a year).
Local broadcasters: Spectrum Sportsnet (TV), KSPN 710 AM (radio).
What they have been up to: Despite having failed to make the play-offs since 2013, the Lakers along with star player LeBron James, secured top spots on the NBA’s most popular team and jersey merchandise lists last season, with the 34-year-old’s arrival serving as a commercial boom for the franchise.
Owner: Robert Pera
Executive director: Joe Abadi
Home venue: FedExForum (18,100)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4.09 million per season, signed 2002, expires 2024.
Jersey patch sponsor: FedEx (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (TV), WMFS-FM (radio).
What they have been up to: After missing out on the play-offs for a second straight season, the Grizzlies have shaken up their front office, firing head coach JB Bickerstaff and reassigning Chris Wallace from general manager to a scouting role, replacing them with Taylor Jenkins and Zachary Kleiman respectively.
Owner: Glen Taylor
Chief executive: Ethan Casson
Home venue: Target Center (18,700)
Arena naming rights deal: Unreported, first signed 1990, extended in 2005, 2011 and 2015. Original contract worth US$1.5 million per season
Jersey patch sponsor: Fitbit (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020)
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports North (TV) WCCO-AM 830 (radio)
What they have been up to: It has been a quiet off-season in Minnesota, the Timberwolves and Lynx named David King as the organisation’s vice president of corporate partnerships. King will oversee the partnership sales and activation areas across the portfolio of franchises including the Timberwolves, Lynx and T-Wolves Gaming.
New Orleans Pelicans
Owner: Gayle Benson
President: Dennis Lauscha
Home venue: Smoothie King Center (16,867)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year, signed 2014, expires 2024.
Jersey patch sponsor: Zatarain (value unreported, signed 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports New Orleans (TV), News Talk 99.5FM (radio).
What they have been up to: The NBA’s number one draft pick has dominated the Pelicans’ headlines this off-season, Zion Williamson’s arrival in New Orleans the team have sold more than 12,000 season-ticket equivalents for the 2019/20 season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Owner: Professional Basketball Club (Clay Bennett, chairman)
Chief administrative officer: Danny Barth
Home venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena (18,203)
Arena naming rights deal: US$3 million a year, subject to 3% annual increase, signed 2011, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, US$10 million a year, signed 2019, expires 2023.
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Oklahoma (TV), WWLS-The Sports Animal (radio), ESPN Radio Oklahoma City (radio), 930AM (Spanish radio).
What they have been up to: Replacing Thunder veteran Russell Westbrook was the priority on-court during the off-season, and the franchise seems to have found a promising substitute in young point-guard Shai Gilgrous-Alexander. For the new 2019/20 season, fans will also be treated to new renovations at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, with substantial upgrades to the building and concourse forming part of Oklahoma City’s Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS).
Owner: Robert Sarver
Chief executive: Jason Rowley
Home venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena (18,422)
Arena naming rights deal: Value unreported, signed 2015, length unreported.
Jersey patch sponsor: PayPal (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Arizona (TV), Arizona Sports (radio).
What they have been up to: The Suns recently penned a multi-year partnership with FirstBank, one of the largest privately held banks in the US. The deal saw FirstBank gain a branding on the redesigned a premium seating terrace at Talking Stick Resort Arena, featuring theatre boxes seating and other VIP provisions.
Owner: Jody Allen
Chief executive: Chris McGowan
Home venue: Moda Center (19,000)
Arena naming rights deal: US$4 million a year, signed 2013, expires 2023.
Jersey patch sponsor: Biofreeze (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports Northwest (TV), Rip City Radio 620 (radio).
What they have been up to: Coming into October, the major off-field news at the Trail Blazers was the announcement by chief executive Chris McGowan that the franchise had severed its controversial partnership with the Oregon-based rifle scope manufacturer, Leupoid, following a year-long campaign by local activists unhappy with the company’s ties with the Israeli military.
Owner and chief executive: Vivek Ranadivé
Home venue: Golden 1 Center (17,500)
Arena naming rights deal: US$6 million a year, signed 2015, expires 2035.
Jersey patch sponsor: Blue Diamond Growers (US$5 million a year, signed 2016, activated 2017, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: NBC Sports California (TV), KHTK Sports Sacramento (radio).
What they have been up to: The Kings broke international ground during the summer as the California-based franchise featured in the NBA’s first-ever pre-season games held in India, as they took on the Indiana Pacers twice in Mumbai. Vivek Ranadivé, the Kings’ owner and chief executive, who was born in Mumbai, backed proposals to launch a new professional league in India alongside NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Owner: Spurs Sports & Entertainment (Robert Canterbury Buford is chief executive)
Chief executive: Julianna Holt
Home venue: AT&T Center (18,418)
Arena naming rights deal: US$2.05 million a year, signed 2002, expires 2022.
Jersey patch sponsor: Frost Bank (value unreported, signed 2018, expires 2020).
Local broadcasters: Fox Sports Southwest (TV), Spurs Radio (radio).
What they have been up to: Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the NBA franchise’s owner, has restructured its hierarchy, with Robert Canterbury Buford replacing Rick Pych, who had been SSE’s president and co-chief executive since 2016. It is not yet known how this will impact San Antonio.
Owner: Gail Miller
Chief executive: Steve Starks (Larry H. Miller Group)
Home venue: Vivint Smart Home Arena (19,900)
Arena naming rights deal: Value unreported, signed 2016, expires 2026.
Jersey patch sponsor: Qualtrics, US$4 million a year, signed 2017, expires 2020.
Local broadcasters: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (TV), The Zone Sports Network (radio).
What they have been up to: Jazz centre Rudy Gobert became the latest investor in the global esports organisation ReKTGlobal, and will help the growth and expansion of the group and its parent company, Rogue. Though a personal investment, the move could be significant in raising the profile of the Jazz within the gaming community, as the French basketball player joins a host of other high-profile investors in the company. Meanwhile, Jazz owners, the Larry H. Miller Group, promoted former executive vice president Jim Olson to president; taking place of Steve Starks, who became chief executive earlier in the year.
Major broadcast partners
North America
US: ESPN, ABC, Turner Sports, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, ESPN Radio
Canada: TSN, RDS, Sportsnet, NBA TV Canada
Mexico: ESPN, NBA TV International, TDN
Caribbean/Central America
Caribbean: ESPN, SportsMax, NBA TV International
Costa Rica: ESPN, NBA TV International
Dominican Republic: ESPN, CDN SportsMax, NBA TV International
El Salvador: ESPN, NBA TV International
Guatemala: ESPN, NBA TV International
Honduras: ESPN, NBA TV International
Nicaragua: ESPN, TN8
Panama: ESPN, Cable Ona Sports, NBA TV International
Puerto Rico: ABC, ESPN, WAPA 2 Deportes, Turner Sports, NBA TV
South America
Argentina: ESPN, DirecTV, NBA TV International
Bolivia: ESPN
Brazil: ESPN, SporTV, Vivo TV, Rede Bandeirantes
Chile: ESPN, DirecTV
Colombia: ESPN, DirecTV
Ecuador: ESPN, DirecTV
Guyana: ESPN, SportsMax, NBA TV International
Paraguay: ESPN
Peru: ESPN, DirecTV
Suriname: ESPN, SportsMax, SCCN, NBA TV International
Uruguay: ESPN, DirecTV, NBA TV International
Venezuela: ESPN, DirecTV
Europe
Austria: DAZN, Sport1, Spox.com
Balkans: Arena Sport, Telekom Srbija (Serbia only)
Belgium: Eleven Sports
Croatia: Arena Sport
Czech Republic: Nova Sport
Denmark: TV 2 Sport
Finland: Nelonen Pro 1
France: BeIN Sports
Germany: DAZN, Sport1, NBA TV International, Spox.com
Greece: Cosmote Sport
Iceland: Stöð 2 Sport
Ireland: Sky Sports
Italy: Sky Sports
Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
Poland: Canal+ Sport
Portugal: Sport TV, NBA TV International
Romania: Telekom Sport
Russia: Viasat Sport East
Spain: Movistar+
Sweden: Sportkanalen
Switzerland: DAZN, Sport1, Spox.com
Turkey: S Sport, NBA TV International
Ukraine: Setanta Sports, Viasat Sport East
UK: Sky Sports
Middle East and North Africa
Israel: Sport 5
MENA: BeIN Sports
Sub-Saharan Africa
Excluding South Africa: CanalSat Afrique, Kwesé Sports, NBA TV International
South Africa: Kwesé Sports
Asia-Pacific
Central Asia: Setanta Sports, Viasat Sport East
Indian subcontinent: Sony Six, Sony Ten
China: CCTV, Tencent
Hong Kong: Sports 2 World, ViuTV, Migu, NBA TV International
Indonesia: Indosiar (finals only), O Channel (regular season, conference finals), NBA TV International
Japan: Rakuten NBA Special
Malaysia: Astro SuperSport
South Korea: SPOTV
Philippines: ABS-CBN, LIGA, Fox Sports Philippines
Taiwan: Videoland, Elta TV, Eleven Sports
Cambodia: TrueVisions, NBA TV International
Laos: TrueVisions, NBA TV International
Thailand: TrueVisions, MONO, NBA TV International
Vietnam: VTVcab
Oceania
Australia: ESPN, SBS Viceland
New Zealand: ESPN, NBA TV International
Pacific Islands: ESPN
Papua New Guinea: ESPN
