Samsung to provide courtside tech for the NBA in reported $100 million deal
If you're tired of product placements in your favorite dramatic series, you won't get any relief if you switch over to hoops instead. Samsung has confirmed that it just signed on to become the official NBA provider of televisions and tablets in a deal which the WSJ says is worth $100 million. That means fans will see close calls being reviewed by refs on Samsung tablets, for instance, while the NBA in turn will work with Samsung to create customized content for NBA League Pass. The deal comes on the heels of recent Samsung endorsements by LeBron James and Jay-Z , showing the Korean giant is willing to spread those profits around to up its brand cachet.
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Samsung Becomes the Official Handset, Tablet, and Television of the NBA, WNBA, and NBA Development League
NEW YORK & RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a comprehensive multiyear marketing and technology partnership that will enhance the game and deepen the fan experience.
"More than ever, NBA fans are connecting with our game across mobile devices, tablets, and televisions, and Samsung's world-renowned products will bring them closer to the game"
Samsung is now the official handset, tablet, and television provider of the NBA, Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and NBA Development League (NBA D-League). Samsung will reach fans of all three leagues through a wide array of assets, including marquee league events, television and digital exposure, and customized content available on Samsung devices. The collaboration represents Samsung's most extensive partnership with a North American sports league and the NBA's most extensive partnership with a consumer electronics company.
"With this partnership Samsung and the NBA are committed to elevating the future of the game with innovative product and service solutions for the players, coaches, referees and fans," said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. "With these new experiences players will be able to take their game to the next level while fans will be able to engage in new ways with their favorite teams and players."
"More than ever, NBA fans are connecting with our game across mobile devices, tablets, and televisions, and Samsung's world-renowned products will bring them closer to the game," said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships. "Samsung's extraordinary commitment across the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League will impact our game both on and off the court."
Samsung's ecosystem of consumer electronics will be integrated into the league and will provide fans with new ways to experience the game through custom content and services that will be introduced throughout the partnership. For the first time, NBA referees will be provided with Samsung tablets and will use Samsung technology courtside in all NBA arenas to review key plays throughout the season. The NBA will also use Samsung devices during key league events including NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, The Finals, and the NBA Draft presented by State Farm. Samsung and the NBA will also offer a wide range of NBA content including NBA LEAGUE PASS (on an authenticated basis for those already subscribing to the league's live game product), daily video recaps of games, expert analysis and commentary, NBA TV's NBA Inside Stuff, and more.
Samsung will serve as the title partner of NBA Summer League, a showcase of the league's most talented young players held every summer in Las Vegas, and will be an associate partner of NBA All-Star Jam Session, the 2014 Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and the NBA Draft presented by State Farm. Additionally, Samsung will have a significant presence on NBA national game telecasts on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, along with NBA Digital properties NBA TV, NBA.com, and NBA Mobile. It will also be the presenting partner of NBA TV's NBA Inside Stuff.
Additionally, Samsung will be the presenting partner of the NBA D-League Showcase and the title partner of the WNBA Performance Awards, which include the Most Valuable Player, Sixth Woman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Defensive Player of the Year.
