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The Washington Wizards have announced their first international partnership since the National Basketball Association (NBA) launched its global marketing initiative for the 2019/20 season, striking a deal with the NEC Corporation.
The arrangement, made possible by the NBA’s decision back in April to relax rules on overseas commercial operations, allowing teams to sell global marketing rights to two international partners, was agreed by Wizards owners Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) and is also a first for an NBA franchise in Japan.
The deal sees NEC gain integration into the Wizards’ physical and digital assets, with messaging within game broadcasts, as well as digital, social media and TV-visible signage.
The deal has a key focus on reaching fans in Japan. The partnership includes global rights to Wizards marks, and inclusion in the recently announced Wizards Japanese website and Wizards Japanese podcast.
The partnership also provides NEC with hospitality features, including sweepstakes opportunities for NEC customers and experiential events.
Jim Van Stone, MSE president of business operations and chief commercial officer, said: “This partnership is a testimonial of the substantial growth of the Wizards fanbase and brand recognition globally, specifically in Japan. NEC has been a pioneer and a leader in the information and communications technology realm for 120 years and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.”
“The NBA is a truly global brand that brings excitement to loyal fans all over the world and NEC is proud to be supporting a team competing at the highest level of world basketball,” added Makoto Enomoto, NEC chief marketing officer.
Washington Wizards have announced their first international partnership since the NBA launched its global marketing initiative for the 2019/20 season
The Washington Wizards have announced their first international partnership since the National Basketball Association (NBA) launched its global marketing initiative for the 2019/20 season, striking a deal with the NEC Corporation.
The arrangement, made possible by the NBA’s decision back in April to relax rules on overseas commercial operations, allowing teams to sell global marketing rights to two international partners, was agreed by Wizards owners Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) and is also a first for an NBA franchise in Japan.
The deal sees NEC gain integration into the Wizards’ physical and digital assets, with messaging within game broadcasts, as well as digital, social media and TV-visible signage.
The deal has a key focus on reaching fans in Japan. The partnership includes global rights to Wizards marks, and inclusion in the recently announced Wizards Japanese website and Wizards Japanese podcast.
The partnership also provides NEC with hospitality features, including sweepstakes opportunities for NEC customers and experiential events.
Jim Van Stone, MSE president of business operations and chief commercial officer, said: “This partnership is a testimonial of the substantial growth of the Wizards fanbase and brand recognition globally, specifically in Japan. NEC has been a pioneer and a leader in the information and communications technology realm for 120 years and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them.”
“The NBA is a truly global brand that brings excitement to loyal fans all over the world and NEC is proud to be supporting a team competing at the highest level of world basketball,” added Makoto Enomoto, NEC chief marketing officer.
