Nike extends partnership with NBA and WNBA for another twelve years

In a remarkable move, sportswear giant Nike has extended its successful partnership with the United States National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the NBA G League for an additional twelve seasons. The agreement continues to grant Nike exclusive rights to design and manufacture team uniforms, game apparel, and fan merchandise. As part of this renewal, the partners are placing particular emphasis on promoting the game by introducing programs and resources aimed at making basketball more accessible and scalable for youth. This initiative will benefit young people from diverse backgrounds through age-appropriate training and game standards, supported by the Jr NBA/Jr WNBA programs. Another focus is to enhance the basketball offerings for girls at all levels to optimize access to the sport and the overall playing experience. These efforts also include support through the Jr WNBA and "Basketball Without Borders" (BWB). The partnership is also committed to developing player, coaching, and program opportunities within Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Nike President and CEO Elliott Hill commented: "Nike has always been more than just a league partner—we are a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to the growth of the game, alongside the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League. Our collective strength, global reach, and genuine passion for the game will continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans." Similarly, Nike has renewed its group licensing agreement with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), remaining an official partner. NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala said: "We are pleased to renew our partnership with Nike and continue to highlight the achievements of our players on and off the court." This extension builds on the eight-year global apparel deal that began in 2015, establishing Nike as the official on-court outfitter starting with the 2017/18 season. Nike's connection to the NBA dates back to 1992, with marketing partnerships with the WNBA since its inception in 1997 and with the NBA G League since the 2017/18 season. In June 2024, Nike reported a 12% increase in net revenue for the 2024 fiscal year, rising to $5.70 billion, compared to $5.07 billion in the previous year.